Sino ang Baliw? .... hmmmm...

Ang natutuwang baliw yaman ay pinagyabang

Dahil ari niya raw ang araw pati ang buwan

May isang sa yaman ay salapi ang hinihigan

Ngunit ang gintong baul panay kasalanan ang laman

Sinasambit ng baliw awit na walang laman

Ulo mo'y maiiling tatawagin mong hangal

May isang hindi baliw, iba ang awit na alam

Buong araw kung magdasal, sinungaling rin naman

Sinong dakila Sino ang tunay na baliw

Sinong mapalad Sinong tumatawag ng habag

Yaon bang sinilang na ang pag-iisip ay kapos

Ang kanyang tanging suot ay sira-sirang damit

Na nakikiramay sa isip niyang punit-punit

May binatang ang gayak panay diyamante at hiyas

Ngunit oras maghubad kulay ahas ang balat

Sinong dakila Sino ang tunay na baliw

Sinong mapalad Sinong tumatawag ng habag

Yaon bang sinilang na ang pag-iisip ay kapos

Ooh.....Ahh.......

Sa kanyang kilos at galaw tayo ay naaaliw

Sa ating mga mata isa lamang siyang baliw

Ngunit kung tayo ay hahatulang sabay

Sa mata ng Maykapal, siya'y higit na banal

Sinong dakila Sino ang tunay na baliw

Sinong mapalad Sinong tumatawag ng habag

Yaon bang sinilang na ang pag-iisip ay kapos

Kaya't sino, sino, sino nga

Sino nga ba Sino nga ba Sino nga ba ang tunay na baliw

-----------------------

Very powerful song! Sanity check! Or more like reality check!

Backyard Pear tree and its fruits

My cousin has a pear tree in his backyard. Every summer it blossoms and bears the sweetest, crunchiest pear fruits. When there's just enough for harvest, my cousin will call for a backyard bbq that will end to hand picking of the fruits to be taken home.

WS 14: Hanna ...Hanna Montana 3D?

3D glasses for a Hanna Montana Concert. Walmart was practically giving it away. How was it? I never really tried it. My kids were the ones who did and probably they were expecting too much. It's quite alot different on theater screens though.

happy WS everyone!

Ate Bev's 18th Birthday- The Way You Look Tonight

Some day, when I'm awfully low,

When the world is cold,

I will feel a glow just thinking of you...

And the way you look tonight.

Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm

And your cheeks so soft,

There is nothing for me but to love you,

And the way you look tonight.

With each word your tenderness grows,

Tearing my fear apart...

And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,

It touches my foolish heart.

Lovely ... Never, ever change.

Keep that breathless charm.

Won't you please arrange it ?

'Cause I love you ...

Just the way you look tonight.

Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm, Just the way you look to-night

-------------------

The song was popularized by Frank Sinatra. It's a song trully appropriate for our budding princess. We wish her the best the world can offer. As she embark to a new journey of independence, may she find treasures along the way. Some may be plain, some ugly in fact, some may be glittery... all treasures nonetheless. May she find more good than bad in every challenge that comes her way. If ever she stumbles, may she have the courange to move on and friends to accompany her through. Most of all may she find the wonder of love.

To our dear ate Bev... we love you ... and we wish the best!

PS.

The video is riddled with background noises... including a sneeze at the end. It was rather unfortunate too that i run out of batteries while taking the video. I apologize.

PASANG AWA! ( Pitiful grade??)

I really don’t know how to translate that into English, hence the question mark. I just got my mid term exam result yesterday and I would really call it “passang awa”. It is the term we use to describe a pitiful grade. Some may not say so but in my standard it is. I could have done much better. But to defend myself…it is our first exam and I still have to learn, excuse me, re-learn the tactics of exam taking (hehe… tactics?? Sounds like cheating…lol). I definitely do not do cheating. After 20 years away from being in a university classroom, I guess I’m not doing so badly. I just need to get used to things and I’m pretty much on the road. Hopefully my finals will not be as bad.

I still have to receive my results in the report. I hope … I did well and I am hoping for a more decent grade. Decent? … like 85 and above. That is decent enough. If my instructor will give me 90 and above that would be categorized as excellent. 95 and above is …. Outstanding?? ….hehe…that will be wishing to much!!!! LOL That is way over my head. I’m already dreaming. The highest grade I got in my entire life is +99% on the NCEE exam. That is the exam all highschool graduates needs to take before going to college or universities. That was a fluke I guess but I enjoyed the chance to get called on stage, shake the hand of the principal, receive a plaque for my mother to keep (or show everybody?) and a bit of money in my pocket. It was a fluke for it never happened again…hehe. I should not talk about my board exam result. And please do not ask…hehe. Darn engineering course! :o)

Something to ponder on:

“The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death! What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch, you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating......

...................and you finish off as an orgasm.”
Mehgan
George Carlin quotes (American stand-up Comedian)

…… it does makes sense, doesn’t it???

My own Bacharach.... in the making :)

My son was practising his piano lessons last night and I decided to take a video. It's not perfect but listening to him play classic music makes me so proud. I hope he continue to find interest in playing and pass down the love of music to his children and grandchildren. I have never had the opportunity to play any musical instrument. I very much wanted to but its financially not possible. I am thankful that I was able to see my dream through my children. Each time I hear a note emmanating from his room sends streaks of joy in my heart. He may not end up playing in a symphony orchestra ... it really does not matter ... as long as he will play for his family. It is my dream to buy him a proper grand piano. In time... for now, he has to continue practising and honing his skill.

This coming Saturday is his cousins debut ball. He will play "The way you look tonight" for her. I am so nervous and excited at the same time. It will surely end up here in my blog so watch for it.

The closest we can get to Phil Mangoes

A thousand miles!!!!!

---------------------

Sad to say that the mangoes above were not the Philippine mangoes. They are a different kind. The kind that tastes more like indian mangoes back home. But huge ones!! We usually make them as a salad. With onions, tomatoes, and sometimes a hint of anchovies or fermented shrimp. It is not even close enough to our carabao mangoes back home. They are mangoes none the less and it is better than nothing I should say.

The memories of mangoes back home haunts me in the most longing way.... :(

Oh my MAMA MIA!!!!!

Saturday evening is the big night. The night me and my mom went to watch Mama Mia. I thought I could invite my son but he would not budge. He says it's a chick flick and he would not be caught watching it. Well... they missed something good. It maybe a chickflick but it's a total entertainment. I just loved the scenery! The islands, the beaches, the rustic stone houses and stone pavements...all very dreamy and romantic. I am beginning to miss home ....

The wedding !! Oh my... the church is on top of an island and the steps going there is illuminated with little lights. It's just so nice to have a wedding like that. I could only see my own daughter going through such a scene. it's so wonderful to celebrate love ... irregardless of the past nor the future but only of the momment. Too bad I can't find a picture in the net. I guess you really need to see the movie...hehe.

My favorite part is when the song "The Winner takes it All" was sung. The background being on high ground and all you can see at the background is the sea, it's glitter against the afternoon sun....very dramatic.

The movie also celebrates friendship. As Meryll have her two best friend, so does her daughter. And we can say like mother like daughter for they are similar in many ways. Friends are the threads that lock everything in place in their lives. They maybe in the background but without them, it would not be complete.

Oh, almost forgot. As my daughter would always ask at the end of every movie we watch. what is the dilemma in the movie. It is the desire of merylls daughter Sophie to meet her father and give her away on her wedding day. But...there are three possible nominees...hehe. In the end... it really doesn't matter. All she needs to realise is her love to her mother and that she has her own life to live and not be worried about her.

It's a movie worth seeing....chickflick or not!

WS#13 - My Kampupot flower a.k.a Arabian Jasmine

Bulaklak, ang ganda ng bulaklak

Ang bango ng bulaklak

Dulot sa 'tin ay galak

Translations:

Flowers, beautiful flowers

Fragrant flowers

they bring us gladness

When one of my relatives went for a vacation back home, I specifically asked for or pleaded in short for a Sampaguita plant to be brought back for me. Sampaguita or what I call Kampupot is our national flower. It trives well in tropical countries and has several varieties. There is single petal, double petal and double double petal. What I have is a double double which is very very pretty. It is sooo fragrant too. Since it is not used to Canadian weather, I can only bring it out during summer. And then when it senses the heat of the sun...it blossoms of little pretty fragrant white flowers.

Killing time at IKEA

While waiting for my son to finish his Aikido class, we decided to go to to IKEA and get a glimpse of how we are going to furnish and decorate our future home. There is an IKEA store nearby and it’s just what we need to get some walking exercise.

Walking?? Well, we got tired already and those sofas was so inviting! Hmmm... do i feel at home with this set up? I dunno...I may have to try seeing other showcases.


I just love this kitchen. So compact but classy. I specially like the exhausthood. Guess how much it costs, C$1,600.00! Whoa! K...move on...move on...

These showcases they have can be tried, touched and scrutinized. this bed is sooo inviting!

Super white kitchen. I could have loved it but I do needed some color to properly perk me up. I can imagine all the mess I'm going to make when I'm in one of my cooking marathon moods.

Trying out some dining tables and chairs. Is it comfort or easthetics? Definitely comfort.

I found a wok that I like but it costs C$60.00! One of my birthdays...or one Christmas and it's mine! Going to the wish list!

Biko ala ems

I still remember when i used to watch my father cook this native dessert. He came from a southern province of the Philippines where almost all their dishes includes coconut milk and would always be spicy. As much as I can, I stayed away from the spicy element but I absolutely adored the coconut milk. I would usually sit by or help him out whenever he decides to cook his favorite spicy coconut dishes. One I dearly miss is the "ginataang malunggay and sitaw" . It is a spicy dish consisting of Maluggay leaves, string beans, smoked fish and coconut milk. Malunggay leaves is not an easy find here. When i do find it...it would cost so much. But it is not so bad because i can very much cook the dessert my dad would cook during special ocations. The "Biko" made of sticky rice, coconut milk and brown sugar.

The sticky rice is cooked first like an ordinary rice but water is reduced a bit.

Then the coconut milk and brown sugar are combined in a wok. Simmered until it is reduced to a thicker sauce. It's like when the coconut will soon start letting oil. Anis seed is added during this time. The combination of the aroma of the anise and the coconut is so good. I usually set aside a portion of this sauce for topping later on. By this time, the cooked sticky rice is mixed in. It needs to be mixed throroughly until every garin is coated with the sauce. The half cooked rice will further absorb the sauce and be fully cooked.

This is the finished product! Home made Biko. Simple but satisfying. I brought a tray at work and it was gone before I had my back turned.

One Morning Greeting from the Blue Sky

Blue sky yesterday Grey today
Did the blue sky
Go away?


What is blue
And sunny too?
The blue sky
Hiding behind the grey.

Grey today
But with blue sky
Waiting to come outAnd play.


The sun is laughing
At my blueness
Blue sky with its greyness
Never meant for sadness.

Blue sky here today

But with a greyness

Covering all the blueness

This is what I want to say.

---David Taylor

------------------------------------

I thank David Taylor for the poem. It is a very cute poem which reflects my sentiments when i first viewed the sky this morning from my balcony. It's the sight that I just needed to start my day. A day of infinite possibilities! The birds flying added the needed touch to complete a perfect scene. I wish I was there with them enjoying freedom at it's best. To soar as high as they can and conquer the sky and the wind. To feel the sun rays before it even touch the earth.

After that, I'm back to earth. Off to find my infinite possibilities!

WS#012 - Children are like balloons

Children are like balloons with a message inside.

They start out small and we inflate themwith something of ourselves.

As we pour our lives into them-they spread sunshine,

give joy, brighten the days of grandmas and grandpas and cheer up the sick.

They remind us of being young and that life is fragile.

They celebrate living!

When discouraged, they are like a balloon that deflates.

A simple openness allowsus to refill them…with hopefor the future,

a feeling that they are special and the knowledge that God loves them.

Their enthusiasm is like a balloon carried on the wind with never ending energy.

They sway and drift.

It’s then that they need our prayers and loving guidance,

without too much pressure that would cause them to burst.

The time comes sprinkled with tears and joy,

when others are able to read the message we have written on their hearts.

So we let go and let God have His way

With our precious balloons…not the end…Truly the beginning!

----------------

Poem is courtesy of Florage by Gay Christie site. The two children on the picture are my nephews. Both six years old and are the youngest of our clan here in Canada. They were both new borns when we first set foot on this land. Now they are vivacious children continiuosly showering our lives with joy and hope. It was taken during the surprise 60th birthday party for our aunt (their grandma lola). They also did a small dance number for her which really made us proud and happy (see previous post).

Happy WS everyone!

A true milestone.. to be beautiful at 60

My aunt is turning 60 this July 14. Her surprise birthday party was held last night. It was a two month preparation made in secret so she would be completely oblivious. Everyone has their own part and contribution. Mine was cooking, some were decoration, some were the give aways, others were the program and one family to distract her during the day while we do all the preparation for the party. It was such a big success. I was running here and there. My daughter together with her little cousins did a dance number for their lola and my son played a piano piece for her. Attached below is the movie of the dance number. The two older children are both 11 years old and the other two younger ones are both 6 years old. They started rehearsing as soon as their school classes ended for the summer. It was so nice to see them dancing together! A slip happened in the middle of the dance routine when my daughter's feet caught a wire and made her crash on the floor at the end of her summersault. Don't worry, she's okay (thank God).

My aunt who turned 60 is the first to migrate to Canada back in 1973 (I was only 7 years old then). She lived in Windsor and worked in a hospital there until she retired last year. She never married but she live a happy life. She now enjoys travelling and being close to people she cares and love. We wish her the best and may she have many more birthdays to come!

It is Done.... and surprisingly I'm still alive! :)

The dreaded mid term exam has passed. I survived, true, but I can't say the same thing with my answers...hehe. Anyway, that's that. I hope what they say is true... once you got over the first hurdle...the next ones will be a piece of cake. For a class of 16 where I'm the only asian, I carry a big chip on my shoulder. Never fear! Darna is here!! LOL

Forgive my sarcasm...I’m just trying to entertain myself. It was adrenalin day today. I think my brain is still suffering from the aftermath of information onslaught. After the 2.5 hours of exam came two more chapters. Culminated by an impromptu report of 3 questions handed out by the instructor. I can hear my brain again saying... "Bloody 20 years ago!!".... and my body started sending more adrenalin to grandma brain to help it think and to calm my poor nerves while I deliver my piece of mind in front of the class. Only one thing I can say... asian rules!!! LOL

*sigh* I think I’m having ulcers.....

A Gift to Commemorate my 100th Post!

This is a gift from a very good friend. She said it's for my 100th post. It's a compilation of my flower pictures brought together by a beautiful song. I just love it! I am completely surprised and humbled by the fact that she has taken her precious time to make this. Sometimes I feel guilty and undeserving. To my friend I thank you ... from my heart to yours.

My 100th post! It's like yesterday when I posted my first. That was back in November 2007. I am still as inspired as when I did that first post and I know I will still continue to write and be inspired. I have read thousands of interesting blogs. Some were so awesome that I became a constant visitor...they just pull me in everyday.

My blog is my treasure chest. I will continue to fill it with bits and pieces of what I call life.. in a world full of choices.

WS #011 - Market Day Weekend!!

Typical market day! My daughter sure looks like she knows how to pick the best sweet potato in the lot...hehe.

Whatever she's peeking into... I hope it's not ice cream!!

happy ws everyone!

Dito Ba -- Kuh Ledesma

Dito BaDito ba, dito ba, dito ba, o dito ba

Ang dapat kong kalagyan

Na isang sulok kong hiram

Sa ilalim ng araw

Dito ba and daigdig ko ngayon

Bakit ibang iba sa daigdig ko noon

Dito ba kung sa'n naroroon

Ang hinahanap kong wala sa panahon

Dito ba ang sulok kong takda sa ilalim ng araw

Dito ba ako naaangkop

Sa paraiso ng walang kumukupkop

Dito ba naroon ang tagumpay

Magkabila'y ngiti, sa loob ay may lumbay

Dito ba ang sulok kong takda sa ilalim ng araw

Kung saan kay lalim ng ng luha

Ligaya'y kay babaw

Dito ba ang sulok kong takda sa ilalim ng araw

----------------------------------

One of my all time favorite artist/diva is Kuh Ledesma. I just love everything about her. Not only her voice but her beauty.... a true pilipina .

The song in the other hand provokes my mind. It expresses many things. Combined with an excellent melody... it captivates my thoughts and heart. Is it really here where I belong? Is "here", a physical place or a state of mind and heart? Is it really my destiny to be where I am?

Hmmmm.....

Friday lunch at work -- Angus Burger ala Harvey's

I got a special treat today at lunch. Huge Angus burger from Harvey's! There's an outlet near my work and i ordered take out for an Angus Burger Combo. I was feeling so hungry but I know i cannot finish it. It's huge and I can only eat half , thus the knife. The other half will be eaten for merienda (snack). How do I like my Angus burger? Everything on it except mayo and onion, and I like extra chilis please!! How much does it cost here?? For the Combo (with pop and french fries), it's C$6.99 plus tax. I wonder how much much does an equivalent Jolibee hamburger cost now?

Stopping to smell the flowers....

During our bike trek we stumbled upon a wild flower patch. Located between the creek and the bike trail it is a perfect place to stop, take a breath, drink water and enjoy the scene. It’s not the kind of flower patch that we see in parks where each kind has its own place. This flower patch is like a free for all plants to grow. They are practically growing everywhere. In between grasses and rocks they breed and swell.

This flower is the most abundant! My daughter said it’s called butter cup. Reminds me of a popular song during my school days. "Why do you build me up...Buttercup, baby, just to let me down...." :)

This shot is a favourite. All the fine details were captured by the camera. Even the fine spider web was caught. Hope you can see it. Time to play ...”I spy... spider web” hehe

I didn’t know this flower can survive in the wild. Not as much as the buttercup but they are so pretty against the yellow buttercups. they are taller though.



We saw this little guy gnawing away the leaves he's clinging to. Such a cute bugger!!

Another cute critter minding its business in the flower patch. Such ecology burstling of life and synergy.

I wonder what flower this is. Its beautiful. Small, does not have a scent but it attracts attention of passersby. The caterpillar has also chosen it from all the plants around.

Allow me end this adventure with a quote by Anne Frank about nature:

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."

Canada Day Picnic at the Bike Trail Park

The park is within view from our balcony on the 10th Floor. Can't see the trail but the trees and foliage are well within sight. The park is called Warden Woods Park. It's an 85.136 acre park with a small creek flowing through it. It's agood place not only to go biking but walking too. Lots of dog walkers also visit the trail everyday.

We set up camp and prepared the bikes. 3 families and 8 bikes. Of course not all can ride ... some will have to relax or play badminton.

The trail looks intimidating... makes you wonder what's at the end of the 3 km trail and what will you see along the way? I'm all ready for a small adventure!

The trail follows a small creek and it's noise is a constant company along the way.

Oh! We found a stair to heaven!!! hehe. My daughter is right at the top... do you see her?? There are so much trees and shades that anyone can blend in with nature.

We continue to ride .... so far so good. We came by a field of wild flowers! We had to stop and smell the flowers of course! I will write about what we found in another post

Almost at the end of the 3 km trail. It wasn't that far after all. Infact, we can do this everyday!

What a nice sight!

Happy 141st Birthday Canada!

O Canada!Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

---------------------------------------------

According to Wikipedia, this occasion marks the joining of the British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces (the Province of Canada being divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec) on July 1, 1867. However, though Canada is regarded as having become a kingdom in its own right on that date, the British Parliament at first kept limited rights of political control over the new country, which were shed by stages over the years until the last vestiges were ended in 1982, when the Constitution Act patriated the Canadian constitution. Canada Day thus differs from Independence Day celebrations in other countries in that it does not commemorate a clear-cut date of complete independence.

I'm still getting used to this national holiday but it is usually highlighted by shows and fireworks! We were planning to watch the fireworks in Canada Wonderland but we all got tired on our day long picnic at the bike trail. It's our own way of celebrating our adoptive country's birthday!