Bochoc's Blog

Call Me on my Mobile Phone

2009-10-25T04:06:00.001+08:00

Couples for Christ and our Family

2007-08-30T09:14:00.001+08:00

I've been a member of Singles for Christ since 1993.. thats 14 years ago. A lot of members specially in CFC and SFC Pampanga are asking me on my opinion and what side will I take.
I want to share to you the blog entry of my father in his blog http://eddiegonda.multiply.com.

CFC. God's Gift

A lot have been written and said regarding the trials that beset our community in recent days. it did affected so many and each one probably has his own views on what transpired. Allow me to share my personal insight.

GG as the meaning for most young people in the community refers to God's Gift or commonly known as special relationships among single men and women. For me,CFC became my personal GG as it entirely transformed not only myself as a person but my entire family as well. This gift is treasured and will remain no matter what struggles, trials, turbulence, joy, success, failures etc. come our way.

It was sometime in 1991 when CFC broke away from its mother ministry, Ligaya ng Panginoon, and we were then ask to choose whether to stay with Ligaya or join CFC. Only 1 1/2 years in CFC that time, my wife and I decided to remain in CFC. For us, it was the right choice. For almost 17 years CFC became a way of life in our family to the extent that my 4 sons became elders in their respective ministries and 2 of them are fulltime workers. It is truly God's Gift.

Now, history repeating itself, we are once again asked where to join. my whole family decided to stay with CFC. It took a little while for me to decide as the situation here in the US was shaken as 6 of the 7 USA national council voted to join Bro. frank Padilla. Good thing manila removed all of them and replaced with a new national council. Now, majority of the membership will remain CFC.

Yes CFC is God's work. and for my family, it is definitely GOD'S GIFT.

Ed Gonda

Couple for Christ - Gonda

2007-08-30T09:14:00.000+08:00

WEDLog #1: Monday

2007-06-25T05:52:00.000+08:00

Need some sleep :)
Helped Faye last night with our wedding giveaways, syempre kami gumawa.. with love yun.

Prenups was last week and ganun pala feeling ng smiling the whole day hahaha pics are somewhere in this site (antok pa!)

So what am I feeling on the last Monday of my single life, well project deadline on wednesday aside, first, nervous.. with all the bills we are facing hahaha seriously, nervous because I am looking at the challenges that we are going to face ahead in all Mondays of our lives. On the other side I am excited.. imagine waking up everyday with my wife by my side.. perfect morning! Everybody knows I love Faye so much. And being with her 24/7 is pure heaven for me.

Last Saturday our closest friends in the SFC community gave us a Couple Shower party and we were all emotional and laughing at the same time. Girls vs. Boys. It's good to be with your best friends at the turning point of your life.

Today, Faye is in San Fernando doing other stuff for the wedding, hiya nga ako kasi I am at work and cannot do the important things with her. I honor her for being so understanding and patient with me.

Also, guests are starting to confirm their attendance, while some cannot make it.. a lot are actually excited to attend. But some.. hmmm... will really test your patience. I really hope some would understand the situation that we cannot invite the whole world! hahaha

Monday.. hmmm 6 Days to go.. :)

Last Household as SFC

2007-06-21T13:44:00.000+08:00

I still remember my first household in as a member of Singles for Christ. It was in Pilar Village, Las Pinas, 1993. We were all boys at the house of our Household Head Tito Iggy and Tita Millet's house. That was the night I was assigned as Unit Head of our Unit in South.

After about a dozen or so households after, I attended my last household as a member of Singles for Christ last night, It was really an emotional night for me as I reminisced quietly every household that I have been with. Every problem, every laughter, all fellowships after, every co-household member and every household head I had. It was really a variety. But all in all I've learned a lot in every group that I was with.

To all my Co-Household members through all these years. Thank you and Godbless.

The next household hopefully I would be attending is my new CFC household.

The Battle of the Bus

2007-06-01T09:03:00.001+08:00

Grabe! Have to deal with getting a bus ride everyday! Running, shoving and hustling to get a golden seat at the bus.

I came today early morning unprepared for the student uprising claiming the seats that were due them. They were stronger and faster, running and buldging while still staying fashionable. Dang! How do they do that. I remembered its the opening of classes on monday.

Well, time to sleep now and watch some students standing on the aisle of the bus saying to myself Dang! It's good I am wiser. Hehe

*mobile post

Bus rides

2007-05-30T19:28:00.001+08:00

As i am now cruising along NLEX on a bus, I realized that since joining Jollibee last January 2006 i have had almost 600 to 800 bus rides already and thats 10 rides a week. Have not computed the exact number yet but i know it's a lot. Tara biyahe tayo!

Faye's here!

2007-05-29T17:58:00.001+08:00

Faye's here! Faye's here! Just came back from the airport! I missed her voice. Specially her hugs and kisses! Yahoo! Faye's here!

2007-05-28T22:42:00.001+08:00

Hello world! Posted from my nokia 6288. Another new way of blogging!

3rd Year!... still blogging.

2007-05-22T00:33:00.001+08:00

Whew! 3 years. It's still fresh in my mind when I made this entry to my blog (http://bochoc.blogspot.com).

May 21, 2006

But now, as I sit here in my bedroom and reflect on the troika of years in my life, I clearly could see how my life has been blessed even on the times when I was down and depressed! I read a blog about my experience with my past job, I again cried at mommy's eulogy, I reminisced about how mommy struggles for years with cancer, I even ganced upon the day Faye left for the US. Blessed, because as I felt sad, i still concluded every entry with God's plan in my life.

There were also the good times, Enchanted Kingdom with my brothers and dad, My first day at Jollibee, My proposal to Faye, My trips to the office and my new gadgets. I felt extra blessed upon reading them.

I plan on blogging and writing my life online until I could type on my keyboard, for someday I would like the world to read after I am long gone, how God gave me a perfect life full of ups and downs.

Until next year as I write "4th Year!... still blogging." I tend to dream of where I am that time and what am I doing.. am I playing with my kid? hmmm di yata abot hehehe

Pampanga Politics. 45 day crusade of Love and Hope

2007-05-18T21:51:00.000+08:00

I started living in Pampanga in the mid to late 1990's and my first home was San Fernando before moving to angeles a few years ago.

I've learned the accent, a little bit of the dialect, the expressions and the habits of kapampangans as I see them everyday. I have lot's of friends who are loud and proud kapampangans. But, one thing I noticed was Kapampangan Pride, it is like no other kapampangans love Pampanga.

So in my own little way I am now claiming that kapampangan blood has taken over me in a big way.

These past events regarding the election even strengthened my claim for now it included the kapampangans heart. Among Ed's Panlilo's 45 day crusade made me proud and love my province more. It was a David and Goliath battle but in the end just this early evening He was proclaimed as the 26th Governor of Pampanga.

As I stand in Paskuhan Village and Villa Del Sol holding a candle singing aloud a song that I only understand 75% of I saw God. I saw God not in Among Ed alone but when I look around, I see people battling evil united and with prayers. They were carrying torches as I imagine Gideon and Joshua who led people to a common goal. I saw God when we started proclaiming thru song our love for our kapampangan race. I saw God as thousand of people gathered in one place to claim the GOOD. I saw God when I saw my kabalen go on vigil and gather around the canvassing area protecting their votes. I saw GOD because I saw LOVE.

Kabalen, Good Morning! Welcome to a brand new day, a brand new province, a brand new people. Congratulations po!

We won.. we rejected evil and chose the good!

Mabuhay ka Kapampangan!

Dear Mommy - Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T11:16:00.000+08:00

Mommy,

Happy Mother's day! How are you nowadays?
It's been almost a year since we have'nt seen each other. I miss you so much.
I remember last year when Faye, Allan and I surprised you in

your room with flowers, a card (which you bring with you always) and blueberry cheesecake.
We all ate in your room which I have taken over since you left.

We ate out today, remembering your favorite dish.
We contacted you with a prayer and bought you flowers.
You are a very special person that will remain in my heart forever.
You cherished life and made us realize how imoportant it is living in this world that God gave to us.
You taught us your sons true and undying faith in God.
You gave us the passion to serve and guide other people to strengthen their lives.
You were a great mother.
You never failed to love us at all costs.
I miss your cooking and baking. I just wish that you are here with us.

But, I guess God needed you already because he needs a mother to some of His little angels.
You will remain in my heart forever.
For even until death, I could still feel that you love us so much.

I love you mommy.
Happy Mothers Day.

Your Son,

Bochoc

One Month More.

2007-04-24T10:55:00.000+08:00

This is the longest time since I haven't seen Faye personally. One month na siya in LA. But everyday we talk (Thanks to Yahoo! Phone In). In this one month of our being apart I saw as a blessing by the Lord, not that Faye is far away! hehehe But God gave me the grace to examine myself and see the life I am in. He made me realize the importance of the life I am going into, He has proven to me that as husband and wife you really get strength from the presence of you partner. He has shown me that when we are going to walk the aisle for our wedding, we will walk back at the end of the ceremony not as two separate individual but as one couple.

One month more and she will be back here in my arms again. I can't wait. I am excited to talk about our realizations. Excited to tell her that she is my source of strength and inspiration to succeed and live my life to the fullest. (wag lang niya kakalimutan pasalubong ko! hahaha)

One month more. yahoo!

Leaving..

2007-03-20T14:52:00.000+08:00

This is one of the hardest entries to make. Faye will be leaving for the US on Thursday, hence beginning a new life for us, another page being turned. Whatever decision she will make after our wedding will truly be a new chapter in our lives. For sure we would be separated at times for she has to go back to the States at times, while on my part I have to remain here in the Philippines. This is hard for me because it has to be done, she has to leave for a while and be back June.

Will surely miss her, these last few days is really hard for me. Sad. After 6 years this is the longest we are going to be apart, the longest of not seeing each other, the longest of not holding hands together. Thinking of it hurts already.. but we have to go through this.

A "Retreat-like" Morning Trip to the office

2007-03-01T10:41:00.000+08:00

This morning's trip to the office was something different for me. Listening to UNITED LIVE's look to you album gave me a new perspective on my life as a Renewed Christian Catholic.

"All I need is You" was a track I was listening to while the jeepney I was riding was cruising through McArthur Hiway on my way to San Fernando, the powerful message of the song renewed me that all happiness in life could be found in Jesus. It struck me to concentrate on all my desires in life at a daily basis, all things that give me comfort in life, sinful and not.

It seems that the lessons from the ILC were just sinking in after a week.

Reading the book of Lamentations also contributed I think to the realizations I have. I was so very thankful that after all the trials, worldly desires, and personal lamentations, God always asures me of hope that the best was yet to come.

While looking up to Camachille trees along the sides of the highway and as the sun rose behind them shining to my face, the lyrics that "God's love is so different and everlasting" struck my soul giving me comfort and assurance that His arms will always be available when I run to Him longing for embrace.

God is truly loving, and it's all that I need in this life I am living.

Innocence and the Baseball Bat

2007-02-05T09:59:00.000+08:00

A friend of mine recently got into an accident. It involves him, a few bottles of beer, fists, kicks and a baseball bat.

Hit just above the left ear at maximum speed, a blackened right eye and the mental trauma he experienced in his time at the ICU.

One problem.... he was a special child.

Mermer as we call him was 2-3 years older than me physically but 10-12 years younger than me mentally. He was just a silent kid that just hanged around the house, drives (yes, he drives) her mom around town, tells stories about his colorful, fictitious i hope, love life =), just looks at you and smiles. He was really an image of innocence of the world.

Last saturday, he was taken to a drinking night with his neighbors that he always treated as barkada. A commotion started between their group and the owner of the bar, minutes later as they left the place men stepped in front of them, a frenzy occured with people running around in all directions, mer was left in the middle with his slow mental capabilities, perhaps his brain was still processing what is happening. Then from nowhere a baseball bat was brought out and with utmost force was wielded and came in contact with his head. That was the night for him.

I saw him last night, thank God he was OK.

He never even deserved a tap of a pencil in his nape. Sadly, there are still people who cannot see the beauty of life around, some people who cannot see God's creation their eyes, some pople who simply cannot take the harsh realities and pressures of this world that they need to release their angst into somebody else.

Innocent lives like mermer's always get caught in the middle of this frenzy. Innocent lives at times suffer and take the physical pain. He didn't deserve to be treated like that but He was made to.

Now I know what the people of Jerusalem felt seeing Jesus carrying the cross on the Via Dolorosa, they were sobbing and sad. He was an innocent man who was caught in the middle of the world's sins and God, perhaps that's why he was talking to God in Gethsemane, but with utmost humility and sincerity He carried out God's plan as the ultimate sacrifice of Love for mankind.

Let's all pray for the recovery of Mermer, the baseball bat weilding Culprit and most specially our society to make Love prevail always.

Gawad Kalinga Movie Trilogy Full Trailer

2007-01-26T09:56:00.000+08:00

Feb. 25, 2007
Worldwide Premier

2007: A glimpse ahead

2007-01-10T08:50:00.000+08:00

A new year, and I just celebrated my 1st year of working in Jollibee, I could still remember the posts I made the year before about being so thankful for the opportunity that God has given me to work at a very stable company.

2006:In Retrospect

I guess the past year was one of the most memorable years that I have in my life. It was one for the books.

1. Mommy died June 8. (first Xmas and New Year without her)
2. Her father, Papa Berting also joined our creator Sept. 18.
3. I proposed Marriage to Faye, August 9.
4. We attended a Singles Engagement Retreat Nov. 24, 25 & 26.
5. It was my last SFC Anniversary as an official member.
6. I was assigned together with Faye as Chapter Heads of Angeles City.

2007:A Glimpse Ahead

1. I am getting married July 1, 2007.
2. We are moving to a new house
3. I'm expecting my first foreign trip (honemoon hehe)
4. Daddy is leaving for the US.
5. Papa Itoy's health will be deteriorating.
6. I already have vacation and sick leaves. yahoo!
7. I am going to Lanao del Norte in February.

Anyway, Life truly has lots of surprises, you just have to face all of them head on, good or bad. After a while, you could just look at your blog and read all those experiences that you have been through. you could, smile, reflect, remember, and reminisce.

Gadget Man

2006-12-28T17:02:00.000+08:00

I just realized it, A gadget man truly am I.. here is my gear.

1. IBM Thinkpad T60 - This is the mother ship, the mecca, the central computer, my GHQ. My work and play are stuffed into this thing. Well All I can say is..It's a Thinkpad.

2. HTC Himalaya (XDA II) - had this for 2 years now and it has been a great companion for me in all my daily battles commuting to work. IT once served as my PMP device. But now it has retired and serves as my Calendar, Portable Office and mini Computer.

3. Sony Ericsson k300i - a small but very efficient phone, the battery can go on for a week that's with frequent calls. I refer to this as my Jolly landline.

4. Sony PSP - My new baby courtesy of my brother Abu. It's in version 2.81 so I still have to wait for the hacking god's of the psp world to crack it open. However this serves as my portable TV at the bus.. Heroes, 24 and Lost never looked so good on the small screen!

5. Casio Exilim EX-Z70 - another new gadget just acquired. This 7.2 Megapixel snapper is a great affordable and efficient point and click simple camera. It's as easy as 1-2-3 taking pictures. I use this to take pictures that I post in my blogs.

Hmm let me see what else is in my wish list.... (Canon 350D just wait for me!) hehehe

And she was there...

2006-12-28T09:01:00.001+08:00

It was a very different Christmas for us as a family, the usual misa de gallo, noche buena, family prayer and gift giving were all done as tradition has it, but as I said it was different, Mommy was not there.

I was looking for her when we were buying gifts for my inaanak, she always suggests good things. I was looking for her when Daddy bought me new jeans, she always adjusts the hems of the pants to fit my length. I was also looking for her when we were buying groceries for the usual noche buena feast, she always prepares the menu. When i was preparing a garden fresh salad plate for the feast I was looking for her hands tossing it.

But she was not there.

I realized she was already gone.

No more christmases with her, no more groceries, no more salad tossing, no more shopping.

I missed her that moment.

But, as I looked around. Christmas was still there. Christ's birth was still celebrated. A misa de gallo mass was still said and we still went. There was still fruit salad of mommy's recipe at the table courtesy of my brother Allan. Gifts were pretty bountiful for our family this season courtesy of some financial blessings at our work and other family matters. So, it will go on.

But it will be different.

We started family prayer after misa de gallo, the five of us, all boys gathered around the noche buena table bowed our heads and prayed. As always for 33 years of my life Daddy led the prayer. But this time he just spoke 2 sentences then stopped, silence prevailed.... I picked up the prayer and led it for the first time like a small bird taking flight for the first time. All of us were crying with every word that came out my mouth as I could feel a deep longing inside my heart, it was so painful and it hurt so much, we missed her badly.

As I said AMEN, there was silence, with just sobs and sighs being heard.

And then I saw her.. it was there at that moment I realized that I was looking for her at the wrong places.. she was always there all the time in every moment that we were living... inside our hearts. Our love for her will always be there, and when we are together as a family her love always manifest as strong as what we have just experienced. It made me see that my family is always the place I could be with mommy all the time.

We stood up, embraced each other, and had one of the most memorable Christmases ever in our lives.

Happy Birthday to you my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

one more for mommy

2006-12-08T10:35:00.000+08:00

Today is the 6th month since mommy's demise. I still miss her. Here are some things I remember about her that make me smile everytime I remember them.

1. Every morning she checks my polo shirt for creases and demands that she will be the one to iron it.

2. She always insists Jollibee's fries are made of "kamote". hehe =)

3. She like watching the lifestyle channel on channel 44.

4. Always knows where the nailcutter is located.

5. Loves Cheese flavored ice cream.

6. She screams her heart's out when she sees a rat.

7. She once suggested 2 years ago to by the materials for faye's wedding dress piece by piece.

8. She walks faster than any person I know.

9. Her houselhod tips are a bit unorthodox but works!

10. She always insist's that all things could be bought in divisoria, even car parts. hehehe

I just miss you mommy! I love you.

down in 3!

2006-11-20T17:31:00.000+08:00

Morales changed his style, becoming more of a brawler than a counter puncher. He jump attacks Manny Pacquiao from the start. A New tactic, a new style.. well, it decided his fate. When El Terrible punches on the attack it leaves his face open to pacman who on the other side takes advantage. 3rd round Knockout. Devastating!

I watched it with the usual gang, hooked the cable box to an LCD projector, watched it on pay-per-view then shouted out hearts out.

Mabuhay Pacman!

twelve.

2006-11-07T17:41:00.000+08:00

It started one night in 1994, I got a call from my chapter head of Singles for Christ in Las Pinas that time that there is a need for a team to go to Pampanga every week to open a Christian Life Program. He inquired that if our chapter took the mission would i be willing to come.. I said yes, not knowing that it was going to be one of the most important answers I gave in my life. That was the first time God called me to serve in SFC-Pampanga, I gave talks #2: Who is Jesus Christ and #11: Singles for Christ to 81 participants in Villa Victoria Chapel in San Fernando.

Last Sunday was the celebration of SFC - Pampanga's 12th year anniversary. Not anybody knows that every anniversary celebration truly brings tears to my eyes (but i keep it to myself hehe). Every scene during that 12 years working for the community was flashing back. Seeing new leaders take the stage, new members dance in worship to God, seeing new music ministry members taking the guitar leading the singing and most of all seeing new chapter heads taking the lead to lead SFC in the coming years. Perhaps no one remembers the exact details or the exact experiences that every member of SFC thru the years that I was blessed to be a witness, perhaps no one knows the stories. But, for me the most important thing is for the members of this new generation to create their own experiences and their own stories. SFC-Pampanga is here to stay not for another 12 years but for more.

I thank all the members that have come and gone for they have been a very big part of my life in service.

That celebration was a last for me, a last as an official member of SFC for next year I would already have crossed over to Couple for Christ. It was some sort of a goodbye for me. On my part I am very thankful that for 12 exciting years SFC has grown, reached and touched thousands of lives in Pampanga.

Happy Anniversary SFC - Pampanga, I remain your friend always.

CHOIR PRACTICE: The singer in me.

2006-10-20T00:11:00.000+08:00

The first time I was invited to join a choir was in 1991 when our local church choir in Las Pinas were looking for members, I started out as a drummer (yes our choirs have a drummer and organ player ) but when acapella pieces were a necessity for the mass or a wedding they would pull me out of my drummers chair. That was the first time I said to myself.. I could sing pala! :) Simple songs that we just play around with became big 4 voice arrangements. From mass songs it became contemporary pieces, we had a concert and some far away weddings, we even sang for the archbishop at Manila Cathedral. But after 4 years sigingin for "Quoro" I had to leave for Pampanga.

This evening was also the choir auditions and practice for the Jollibee choir, I joined in because I have to get out of some dancing tradition the company has hehehehe. You see I have to left feet hehe. So there I was auditioning "Philippine Idol Style". I got the same part as in last time of Tenor 2 / Baritone. Well we got lot's of songs to do and little time to practice.. guess have to tune the vocal chords again... mi - hi - hi - yo - ho - ho - ho.

4:00AM?????

2006-10-03T04:02:00.000+08:00

Was awake 3:30am.. don't know why?
hmmm.. thinking of something?
Time to open my laptop and surf the net.

Yawn! Just waiting for Faye.. she calls me everyday at 4:30am waking me up.
It's nice to hear her voice first thing in the morning.

Sleep. That's a commodity in life right now for me... I lack of it.. and I just notice I sleep anywhere now.. hehe bus, jeep, office, etc. One day of sleep.. how i wish. :) So what am i doing up this early? hmm time to sleep..Zzzzzzzz....

Solitary

2006-09-28T22:55:00.001+08:00

Looking for things that makes me happy...
Searching for feelings that were supposed to be there...
Wanting to give when you have nothing to offer...
Living your life without people caring...
Asking questions without someone answering...
Offering your hands without someone grasping...
Loving without understanding...
Wishing without hoping...
Understanding without being important...
Seeking without hoping...

Solitary. Lonely. Alone.

Sometimes. Time will come. Time will say.. Time will understand.

Sigh.... wake up.. smell the coffee. see people around you.
Not Alone, not asleep, not worth harboring...

Solitary.. retreat.. seeing yourself...correcting... learning.

Solitary. A phase of life.

I call him PAPA

2006-09-18T21:48:00.000+08:00

It was a monday, June 18, 2006. Start of the week, preparations for the Jollibee IM General Meeting which was sponsored by our group was starting to brew up. I was the emcee for the afternoon, taking the mike and talking to people who see me everyday as a co-worker.

12:00nn
An SMS message got thru my cellphone that my Grandfather Papa Berting is in critical condition and was brought to the emergency room of the hospital close to his home.

We call him PAPA, just as the word becomes synonymous to different relationship pet names, to me, PAPA always meant a grand old man where you could learn lots of things that He has been through. He would sit down by my side talking about riding in the tramvia, about the parties he was going to while he was young, his studies and his duckpin bowling endeavors. We were not only Grandfather and Grandson, but pals. He would always brag to other people that he was lucky enough to have drinking sessions with his grandsons. He would sometimes also whisper a joke to your ear which you only understand as a mumble then pretending you got the joke the both of you would laugh your hearts out.

3:10PM
Papa Berting passed away peacefully in his hospital room. I have to stand up in front of 104 people to introduce guys on their turn to present their business plans.

He never fails to forget all the birthdates of all His relatives, he even remembers those of HIs great Grandsons. I also remember him always showing an album full of clippings and artifacts of of His life and his interests. He would collect articles that he seems important in life. He is a great writer, perhaps that's where my genes came from. He was a very good writer that he wrote letters that seem like poetry to his sons and daughters about issues and struggles that everyone is going through.

The only thing he always longs for is attention. He would get the mike when he was younger and would give speeches, sing and even belt out a tagalog poem. Perhaps, he wants to express something, perhaps he wants to send out a message, perhaps we just wants to feel people around love him so much.

Pa, wherever you are, say hi to mommy and mama for me. You will truly be a great inspiration in my life, we were always talking to each other telling stories and sometimes jokes, I would miss that. I would miss your arms around my shoulders everytime we see each other, your whispers of your sentiments and simple pleasures. I would miss you every Reunion time on the men's table just having fun conversations with each other. You were my team mate in basketball, we always root for the same team.You were always excited when me and my brothers arrive at your place.

I still remember you looking at mommy's casket, sheding a tear, then facing me to whisper.. "your mom is still beautiful even in death". We'll pa, mommy came from you. I don't care what other people say about your life.. for me what should be rememebered is your family oriented approach in life, you always wanted eveyone around on occassions. I will always celebrate your life through mine.

Bye Pa, have a good one!

UNLIMITED

2006-09-11T22:38:00.000+08:00

Friday, September 8. 2006. 7:00PM
I was the scheduled worship leader for the Northern Central Luzon Leaders Conference in Angeles City. I was there ready with the Band (I play acoustic guitar and vocals) standing on the stage in front of almost 700 people, suddenly the lights went out while i was called. There was a power interrruption on the venue. The sound system was out, the lights were out. But the conference must go on. And with all apprehension, I looked up smiled at God and walked to the edge of the stage lagging my guitar and was shouting to lead the opening prayer. Upon heeding to God's call.. things started to happen.. from the back.. I see a megaphone coming through the crowd making it's way to the stage, I saw the Music MInistry going with me picking up acoustic guitars, a K-hon was making it's way to the stage as well in short it was one of the most memorable worship's i have been through. People singing their hearts out in darkness and just praising God amidst shortcomings. Maybe that's what God has been telling me for that start of conference. Just trust me and I will show you my Unlimited blessings!

A Letter from Scott : Commodore VIC 20

2006-09-01T09:35:00.000+08:00

My first computer was way back when I was in Grade 5. It was a Commodore VIC 20 that has i think only 3K of RAM hehehe (i have 512MB now!) hehe.

VIC-20 Specifications.

CPU - 6502A running at 1.0227 MHz
ROM - 16Kb.
RAM - 5Kb (3.5Kb user memory) expandable to 32Kb.
VIC - Screen: 22 columns by 23 rows.
Character dot matrix: 8 by 8 or 8 by 16 (User programmable).
Screen dot matrix: 176 by 184 with up to 16 colours.
Sound: 3 voices plus white noise.
POWER - Consumption 18 Watts.
DIMENSIONS - 404 mm wide by 204 mm deep by 74 mm high.
WEIGHT - 1.8Kg
MEDIA - Tape drive (controlled by VIC), Disk Drive, Printer.
EXPANSION - Many cartridges, including additional memory, serial card and hundreds of ROMs including games and programming utilities. A docking station allowed more than one cartridge to be used at once.

I treated it first as a different ATARI cgame console playing games like Scott Adams' Text based Pirates Cove & Voodoo Castle couple it with our favorite Omega Race. It didn't take long I began to be curious of what happens to my PC when I boot it up without a cartridge, lo and behold it was the very first consumer BASIC Programming IDE. I read the manual and started learning Programming by myself creating Adventure games ala Pirates Cove. I advanced to graphics and sound. I created Games that reside only in RAM memory and when you turn off the VIC you have to code again hehe. I miss my old VIC unfortunately my brother plugged it into a 220V socket and went kapoof! IF given the chance I'll score one of these things again on ebay! :)

I wrote Scott Adams to thank him.. and guess what.. he answered back.. here's our conversation.

From: Edward Gonda
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:48 PM
To: msadams@msadams.com
Subject: Hats off to you!

Hi Mr. Adams,

I am Edward, now 33 years old and I work as a Software Applications Engineer for the largest Food Corporation here in the Philippines. I would just like the opportunity to say "thanks". My first computer was a Commodore VIC-20 sent to me from the US and Pirates Cove was included, it was the most enjoyable game that time. It led me to learn the BASIC language on my own to create other text adventure games like your games. With that.. I am where i am today.. a programmer. Thank you. And may Godbless you always.

Edward DC. Gonda
Jollibee Foods Corporation
Applications Software Engineer
edward.gonda@jollibee.com.ph

His Answer...

Hi Edward!

I rescued your email from my junk mail folder. Fortunately I thought the
subject line might not be SPAM.

Many thanks for taking the time to write. I always am happy to hear my
classic games helped folks find a joy in computers and like your case in
programming!

If you still enjoy playing other computer games I host an opt-in email list
for friends where we discuss computer gaming. The info is in my signature
and on my web site too. You are welcome to join us.

I also run a guild in Everquest 2. Incredible game we having allot of fun
there. We are currently the second largest guild on the most populous server
www.vindicators.org You might want to try the free trial of EQ2 and see if
it something you like or not. http://www.trialoftheisle.com/

Happy Adventuring

Say Yoho - Everything spins around and suddenly I'm elsewhere...
M. Scott Adams (Not Dilbert, Adventure!)
http://www.msadams.com

TREES Company

2006-08-23T09:03:00.000+08:00

When I was small me and my brother Abu were always climbing this macopa tree that we have in our house in Las Pinas. We memorized every branch and every comfortable position that we could fix up while on top. There were days that we were up there a long time eating the pinkish red macopa fruit, catching spiders and just talking on the days playtime agenda. There were even times when we invite friends over to our tree and just talk the day morning or afternoon away.

Last Sunday my chapter in SFC went to Mt. Arayat to plant 70 trees. You see the community has a goal to plant 25 million trees in 5 years. That's about 25 trees per member (I already got 7, so that's 18 to go). I know that 25M is a lot to do but feeling that you contributed to a worthwhile cause is very satisfying. The thought of trees running out and being cut at a massive rate was not that important to me at first but the fact that trees are vanishing seem scary.

I will be married soon and become a father, i just want to make sure that my children could still climb tree in the future and enjoy what i have experienced. I just hope and pray that in the future trees would not be merely contained as an Image search in Google. :)

The Proposal: WORDS, MOVES, GIMIKS

2006-08-10T11:03:00.000+08:00

Two years ago today, i gave Faye a framed digital collage of her portraits which she hanged on her room and was the centerpiece of the wall behind her Bed. Without her knowledge I slipped a note inside the frame and sealed it before giving it to her as a gift. The purpose was to one day open it and assure her that my love never changes (cheezy! hehe). Last Night (August 8, 2006), I felt the moment was right the mood was great and out conversation was getting deeper as we await her birthday. At the stroke of midnight, I reached for the hanged frame passing her lying down on the bed saying "I have a gift for you that you already have, but have no knowledge that you already have it" she was so curious as I pryed open the metal stoppers at the back of the picture frame, i lifted the wooden board at the frames' back and took out the letter that was there for already 2 years just waiting for the right moment, i handed it to her and she slowly read it, then suddenly she became teary eyed... it contained a promise i made to myself that year that says

"never be afraid when you grow white hair over your head and grow old, because i promise you were going to experience all of that...together."

I guess time travel could really be possible in some instances.... if you just believe.

It was the start of a very fun day for Faye because I still have to go to work. She had lunch with her family, then went to the spa in the afternoon.

That night I planned a dinner for us and 3 of my most dear friends in the community, Dindin, Felix and Ronnie. I was already saying to myself for a week that it was the night I am going to propose marriage to Faye. Every night for a week I was thinking of the right words to say, the right moves to do and the right gimik to make the night so memorable. But... nothing! I was practicing some speeches in front of the mirror, researching on the internet about suggestions on how to propose marriage. I could not tell my friends because I want them to be part of that moment, I always prayed to God to make it perfect. But... no words, no ideas, mo gimiks.. came to my mind. 7PM came..The five of us were riding in a car going to my chosen restaurant.. Herbs & Greens in Pampanga. It was a perfect place, they serve organic greens home growned, fine-dining, piano love songs playing in the background. We started eating and talking about the usual stuff, laughing and chatting away, talking about other friends, life and some instances that we cannot forget. For me.. I was like M&M's candy :) smiling outside but was silent inside, I could even hear my heart beating ala Manny Pacquiao punching my chest with that tremdous left hook. I was thinking, "words, moves, gimik"...."words, moves, gimik".

We started a birthday tradition in out comminity called honoring.. it was like a reverse-bull session were you would tell the person all the positive traits you know about her matched with a message for the person being honored. We started at the Left side of Faye going clockwise, Ronnie spoke about how he never see faye get angry and how she was a good confidant, Felix spoke of how time flew by and that they were now 9 years as friends, and that he was so thankful, the Dindin spoke.. she was the person beside me... "CRUNCH TIME!... "WORDS, IDEAS, GIMIK".."WORDS, IDEAS, GIMIK".... they noticed me staring at the corner while dindin spoke (up to now i can' remember her words hehe).. they laughed at me and said i was already sleepy and tired. But deep inside.. i prayed.

It was my turn. I started with.. "I would like to thank you guys for being part of me and Faye's life." I told the picture frame story and ended with, "Thank you for being here to share this special moment with us" I faced Faye. "Faye, you know how i love you so much.. like my promise to you two years ago, i would be so excited to grow old and have white hair with you." Without hesitation I took out of my pocket a diamond ring, knelt down, (everyone was surprised right now, but teary eyed hehe), "Faye, will you marry me?". Two words then came that really struck my heart and brought tears of joy. "Oo naman" she said. We stood up and she embraced me with tears in her eyes.

She sat down. With a smile she said "Eh, bakit mo pa sila sinama?!" everyboday laughed (Faye was always knows for her tacklesness sometimes) I answered "Eh di walang kukuha nga picture" haha

Yes, I am now engaged. No fancy words, fantastic moves and cheezy gimiks. God answered my simple, spur of the moment prayers that night and I never felt more happy in my life.

Praise God!

You!.....Who me?

2006-08-01T21:55:00.000+08:00

I've just been to CNNMoney.com to read their list of the 50 people people who matter in business now. Upon reading it in Wikipedia and listening to past episodes of diggnation I really expected to see a Bill Gates or the Sultan of Brunei topping it, but to my surprise the top dog went to "YOU". Huh? Me? is this list talking about me, I matter more that the Gates', Jobs' or even Oprah?

Guess I read it right the top gun of people who matter in business nowadays is me.. or might I say "you". The resurgence of the internet's popularity could all be attributed to everyone (you) i mean this here Multiply.com is content that you want to post and want to read. Blogging is another big contribution initiated and custmized by a single user to share content on the web. Digg, Flickr, Friendster, Podcasting, and YouTube are just a few of the things that "YOU" created.

No more content that we don't want to read, no more news that does not matter. CNN calls it the YOU generation. I guess people just got tired of the surroundings and took the matter in their own hands.

How does this affect me? hmmm I don't know..dont ask me, it's now time to go out and get an ice cream cone while simultaneously thinking of what to post next on my blog, multiply, friendster, and digg accounts.

Whazzzuppp!

2006-07-24T14:47:00.000+08:00

What's up?

hmmm... let's see. I've been reading my past blog entries and it kinda is so serious these past months. As a priest said in mom's last mass... life must go on. And really life went on for my family and me. Where to begin..

1.) I'm working again without any distractions and with my full concentration. Unlike before when I could not really think with mom's condition at the back of my head. I've also been studying while working of course, I am designing webpages now for the company, come to think of it.. I'm getting a hang of this designing stuff.

Here's my current project. The website for the Jollibee foundation.

2.) Faye's got a new phone a Motorola V3x, we personally chose it over the bukky N70, and it really is a good buy, and the right choice, she is really enjoying it's features. Nokia's really excite you at first then fade away it's own glory after weeks of owning it. :) Faye! picture naman. hehe

3. SFC: Winning the World. I really am excited with the new endeavours the community is going into, next month we organized a tree planting activity in our place, the month after, it's the schools were going into to introduce pro-life symposiums and awareness activities, and if our prayers are really hard, the month after that we are going into the Angeles City Jail to minister and conduct a CLP inside the prison. After the Global Leader's Forum it really is a breath of new fire for me and SFC, this is SFC's culmination it's shining glory. Win the World for Christ.

Mommy... Hold my hand. Don't be afraid.

2006-07-09T21:29:00.000+08:00

One month has passed since mommy went home to God and as I sit here in her room and lie in her bed, i cannot seem to take out the images from my mind about that 8th of June day, I see her lying down at this very bed gasping for air, I still see her closing her eyes for the las time, I also clearly see myself carrying the stretcher with her body unto the vehicle that brought her to the funeral parlor.

I remember she was always afraid when an operation is facing her, she even was nervous when nurses come into her room to flush the blood clotted in her veins. She always asks me to hold her hand because that seem to bring her great comfort. Even if it was a little effort on my end, she seem to see it as a source of great strength.

I remember accompanying her body inside that closed vehicle alone.

It was the longest and most memorable trip i had with her.

I held her hand tight... that was still hot that time..

I looked at her face... it was still radiating..

I could see her as if she was telling me.. not to leave her side

I then whispered.. mommy don't worry i am always here . Don't be afraid.

She saw me as a source of strength.. but now, the tables have turned, she is already returning the favor, for in my daily battle of life, she is always here in my heart holding BOTH of my hands.

2nd SFC Global Leader's Forum: Win the World for Christ

2006-07-02T18:04:00.000+08:00

Win the World for Christ! That was the battlecry of 750 chosen leader's of Singles for Christ leaders from the whole world on the 2nd Global Leader's Forum in tagaytay ending just this afternoon.

For me personally it was really great, meeting our brothers and sisters from Africa and Asia and having really personal conversations with them made me face the reality of the mission that God is empowering us to do. I learned of the un-Godly things that some people in other countries do like Vietnam's 2 child policy, Africa's battle with poverty, AIDS and abortion and the sharings of others ubout the uncruelties of some cultures in this life. That's why SFC is now waging war! war against evil!

I personally don't know what i will specifically do for global evangelization and change. But for me, I surrender to God on where He would guide and lead me.

25 Years of Couples for Christ: A Silver Celebration

2006-06-26T09:50:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, the whole family was in Luneta to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our Catholic Communtity Couples for Christ. Mommy and Daddy entered the movement on 1989 and has brought 4 of us to the communtiy as well with the launching of the family ministries. This is one legacy my parents have left us with, serving God without aprehensions. It was funny though.. we went to Luneta with separate groups. Allan was with the Youth for Christ, Daddy is with Servants of the Lord (which he is now an official member), Eggay was in manila since last week and Abu, Faye and Me were with 40 of our Singles friends. But we were one in celebration and one in proclaiming our whole family has been made happy and satisfied in life because of Jesus Christ we found through CFC.

IT was raining but you really get goosebumps seeing 70,000 people converging at the open air Rizal Park proclaiming the importance of family life, proclaiming that we must live the belief of Gawad Kalinga "Less for self and more for others", and to Spread the Gospel to lots of people as much as possible.

Couples for Christ and its family ministries will always be a central fixture in our family's life. To tell the truth I could already see my kids and my grandsons as members of Kids for Christ already. Mommy will always live through us when we are in the community, she loves working for God, she is always proud that us her kids are so successful in life, and always says, "She has no regrets in life, and has tasted the best life that there has is possible". CFC has made our life satisfying and successful. It has made us enjoy life to the fullest! I am having the greatest time in my life because my parents has introduced me to something that makes the best of me come out.

God is Good! All the time!

Burdens as Blessings: The Double "B" Approach to Life

2006-06-22T09:40:00.000+08:00

It's again a thursday, the 2nd week since mommy's demise. As I sat on the breakfast table this morning all by myself, which was usually the daily morning coffee conversation of me and mommy. I just missed her. I reminisced the times when she was still healthy and we go into healthy debates about small things over a cup of coffee. I remember she would not rest until I have already left for work. But most of all, I remembered the last days. I could still see five of us carrying her just to replace her diaper, bringing her to the hospital and carrying her up the steps of the photo studio. The last days was really the most "burden-some" specially when she was already comatose and was very heavy because of swelling of her legs and body.

That's the word "burden" which I was always tempted to classify our situation. But come to think of it, no one was complaining, no one was tired, no one was not doing his or her job on this so called burden. In fact we even got closer to each other and we got to offer our last services / duties to mommy, we even got the chance to say our goodbyes not abruptly. Come to think of it, in a way it was a blessing.

Yes, Mommy's cancer as I look at it has grown to be a blessing instead of a burden. I see the news everyday about accidents happening, I have been to wakes where the dead person left this world at a snap of a finger leaving loved ones grieving in shock. I would definitely not choose that experience over our situation. Mommy left this world in a very beautiful and peaceful way, she was given by God 5 years to prepare for heaven. And to look at it in a different perspective, God has given us, the family 5 years to show our love and affection, 5 years to prepare for goodbye and 5 years to express our gratitude.

In a way cancer was a blessing because it made her trip to heaven much easier.

So mommy, wait for me in heaven, I eagerly await the day when we sit on a heavenly table drinking coffee and talking about life.

Mommy's Eulogy Video

2006-06-19T10:05:00.000+08:00

Eulogy for Mommy Video (wmv)

I wrote this in the wee hours of the morning June 11, 2006, besides mommy's physical body. At first no words came to my mind, but as i look at her inside a coffin I remembered words we talked about , I remembered her struggles, her sacrifices and victories in life. I really won't take credit for writing this alone, Mommy was always by my side dictating words to my heart, I was just there to write her spirit on paper.

1st Week

2006-06-15T08:15:00.000+08:00

It's been a week today since mommy has started her trip to heaven. Almost everyone i know has been texting me on how's the family doing and how are we coping up with the loss. All I could answer is OK. Up to now, after a week the family still share the same belief and perspective in life that Mommy did not leave us but has rested and has entered heaven.

I could still feel her so alive in our home, all 4 of us are sleeping in her room since Monday. We began to experience a new found closeness to each other, talking to each other, sharing happy mommy moments, and doing every activity together. This was mommy's legacy if you ask me, She wants us to be happy and have a good time together as a family.

I miss her so much, but everytime I feel sad I am always reminded of Mommy's words and stories, so it feels she is always here.

Mommy's Eulogy

2006-06-11T20:32:00.000+08:00

It was June 8, 2006, a Thursday, Mommy woke up in a very different state, on what we thought was a very needed sleep, turned out later discovered she was slowly slipping into comatose. She was very different from the Mommy I knew that was always there awake when you wake up in the morning ready with breakfast and coffee at the table, she was always there always ready to sew a button on your torn jeans or shirt. That day she was different. But as I look into her eyes which were the only ones moving that day I could still feel something familiar, the smile was gone, the glowing face was gone but something was still familiar. They say that the eyes are the windows of the soul, that day I could see clear in her eyes the will to express so much love and affection for everyone that is part of her life.

For 5 years now the whole family has been battling cancer with mommy at the center, going in and out of hospitals, tons of medicine, a number of injections and lots of doctors. And as I see it today, that was one awesome journey, a clear battle that we have won. I say won because of the much love that was poured and manifested that 5 years that I could still see overflowing until today.

Every night during this wake I would go inside the family quarters at the back at times and cry my hearts out not because of deep sadness, but overwhelming joy from all the people that came and gave their condolences. One told me she was a frequent customer of mommy who really loves her so much and is deeply saddened I looked at her and see this almost 80 year old ”lola” with a walking cane crying. Amazing! I talked to someone who was sitting there at the corner with his wife who were both nameless to me, as they told me a story of how mommy tediously finished the wedding gown of his wife’s sister painstakingly and whole heartedly. There was even this outsider who talked to my brother Allan asking if the one lying at state is a dean of some college or someone important because of the crowd she drew. He just answered she was just a plain housewife and a “mananahi”. And I also remember talking to a woman I don’t know during the first night of the wake as she glanced to the picture album of mommy. She said with a big smile that she has been searching for the true definition of a beautiful woman for years. Now she proclaimed at last she already found her in mommy, whom I glanced and saw someone truly beautiful inside and out even in death. Well, The only reason I could think of is, that everyone that she knew she treated as a family member.

Our house has really been an open house to every visitor that we have through all these years, every kabarkada, classmate, officemate and friend. She treated everyone as her own son or daughter, Her own brother and sister. She never failed to offer them what she has even if it is only a few. She never failed to ask about their lives which she really takes delight from, resulting with long bouts of “kwentuhan”. She really showed them care and love.

As you notice or if you know us, we are a very close knit family, we are a family that can’t seem to get much out of each other. We love being together, we love sharing each others lives together, we love praying and singing songs together, some of you might not understand how we worship and pray to our God, but that’s our secret we love raising our hands in the air and proclaim God is Good All the time. We are never ashamed of our faith. Mommy served as an inspiration and source of strength for our service and mission.

I remember mommy as we talked last week, she proclaimed on her deathbed not to worry about her because she will continue serving God in heaven. That really struck my heart; I mean here is someone on her deathbed proclaiming that service is beyond death and eternal, and that she looks forward to continue doing it. That is one true gift that she has left us beyond education, beyond good values and beyond good morals, the most important thing she has left us is our strong faith and the will to fight for our true Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She never fails to pray for us her children everyday, never fails to see that every need we have was taken care of. This is the true essence of my mother’s strong heart, so strong that she got out of comatose to lift his arm and hold Abu’s hand as she started her journey to heaven.

As I stand here in front of her physical body, I also show to you her spirit truly present in ours so much alive. I love her so much and miss her. I could stand here telling you that I want to hug her, I want to thank her and I want to tell her I love you. But I was not too late, I told her that while she was still living and could answer back. I held her hand while she could still hold back. I smiled at her face while she could smile back. I cried with her when she could still cry with me. I laughed and smile while she could always smile back. We did it all! Together. I will cherish that all of my life.

I am now mourning, but you know, God has transformed it into dancing. Because I could tell her now “Mommy, now you could stand up and sing praises with us your family, and you will be so beautiful standing by the side of our Lord. No more pain, no more bed sores, no more injections, no more medicines, no more sleepless nights and most of all no more crying.”

Rest now mommy, prepare our house in heaven where we would be together again as one family united in praise and thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus Christ.

I would like to thank everyone who has been with us these past years, those who gave support, financially, emotionally and spiritually. I could not name all but I know mommy is smiling down from heaven so thankful that you made her trip more enjoyable and easy.

Praise be to God!

3rd Day

2006-06-08T09:33:00.000+08:00

This is the 3rd day that the family is on 24 hour watch of mommy. Last night she was not anymore responding to our questions in the right way, maybe because her doctor administered morphine to deal with her cancer pain and terrible cough. She is sleeping now. Yesterday also I went to the Funeral Parlor to pick up a funeral plan and a memorial lot. It was one of the hardest tasks I have to do.

The family was singing to her last night, I picked up the guitar and sang christian songs to her. That was one of the most memorable guitar playing I have ever done.

Sleep ka na mommy

You are so Beautiful

2006-06-07T08:42:00.000+08:00

As I sit here beside mommy looking at her as she is gasping for breath, i tend to see the beautiful woman that she is. The way she fixes the buttons of my jeans, makes me a bedcover or even a pillowcase, the way she teaches me how to cook menudo or even fixes the bathroom fixtures. She was beautiful. Not to mention she won the Ms. Guiguinto title before.

Ever breath now that she is doing makes me kneel down and ask God to make my breathing help her's so she would not anymore exert effort. Her blood is not circulating enough so her heart has difficulty in pumping blood. Wait is what we could do, wait for her journey, a journey that she will be on foot running, jumping, walking and leaping for joy. I can't wait to see her arms open when i go to heaven myself.

Sleep now mommy, rest now, prepare for your journey you are now so beautiful to face our God.

Godspeed.

A Talk about Life

2006-06-05T10:15:00.000+08:00

I've been trying to gather all my guts and strength lately to talk to my mom who is now bed ridden with cancer, but i can't seem to have the courage to face something that is reality, something that i know would bring so much pain and saddness. But, last saturday, the weekly blood transfusions became a very tedious and nerve breaking experience as the blood wouldn't anymore go inside her because of the over injections and intrusions to her veins these past months. The veins were getting thin that causes the blood to clot.

Daddy became emotional and had the breaking out talk with her in the morning which left him so sad. That made me think and realize, I might not to get the chance to talk to her again consiously and regret it for my life. Because when the blood transfusions start to stop, the daily countdown for her life would begin.

When the chance came that afternoon when I was alone with her, I stood up gathered every strength that I have, sat by her side, held her hand and asked "Mommy.. are you ready?" she nodded then I told her "I would just like to tell you, I'm ready too.." tears started to roll in her eyes "She told me she's in heavy pain and can't bear it anymore" I tried to listen to every word she is saying and it seems i am running out of answers to the questions she is asking about her ordeal. At this time, I closed my eyes for a while and I turned to our God for wisdom and words to say. I then opened my mouth and said "Mommy, rest now.. I know you are very tired.. but let's not have the first step leaving God's plan behind, there is a reason why you are still alive, if He wants you in heaven He already took you years ago." I continued assuring her that every plan of God was great, I also told her not to worry about us, because she did a good job on all of us. The four of us grew up without any vices, bad habits, etc. I promised her that we will continue serving the Lord until the end of our days.

We both cried as I embraced her, then slowly she spoke again.. "Don't worry about me.. I'll continue my service in Heaven" those words struck my heart. Here is someone on her deathbed, proclaiming that her service to God does not stop here but will continue even after death.

After that we started talking about out lives, our memories, and the wonderful life that she had. We reminisced about our family, the hardships, her sacrifices, our Blessings and our service. We even talked about her grand daughters and grandsons to come. She even gave her blessing for me and Faye, and that she treats her already as her own daughter and loves her very much. It turned out that the thing I was so afraid of at first became a very beautiful and meaningful experience for me.

The next day, it was Pentecost Sunday and the priest officiating was talking about the Holy Spirit and it's impact on our lives today. I was very thankful that morning in the mass that God blessed our family with His Spirit, that even in our hardships we always surrender everything to God. We will continue to live in the Spirit, and whatever happens to my mom these next days, I will face them wholeheartedly. Because I know and am rest assured that she will be in heaven, standing up and dancing for God!

I love you Mommy!

Faye

2006-05-29T00:10:00.000+08:00

Today is our 5 year and 6th month anniversary of Faye and me and I want to pay tribute to her. She is the greatest gift that God has given me. These days she has been there for my mother at a day to day basis, my mom is totally dependent on her with the caring and compassion she shows. She is always there not only for me but my family, and the effort and sacrifices that she is showing makes me love her so much more everyday.

Everyday I see her, she never fails to bring out the best of me, from fashion tips to advices in life. Her sacrifices for others inspires me to move on and live my life to the fullest. I would always cherish every conversation we have, even if we are crying our hearts out or laughing loud at every experience that we go through.

I could never imagine a life without her, she will forever be a big part of my life and my heart. I always look forward to spending eternity by her side!

I love you Faye.

2nd Year!... still blogging.

2006-05-21T17:19:00.000+08:00

Today May 21, 2006 is exactly 2 years since my first entry in this blog.

A lot has happened, with my work, my personal life, my family life and the people around me. As I pass through my old entries I look back at life and at times smile when i read my sad posts and still get inspired with the happy posts that God led me to write.

Happy 2nd Year Anniversary to me.. and may I be reading this as I write my 3rd Year Anniversary.
What has happened? How am I?

well.. see you then.

Nope! Not convinced!

2006-05-20T23:20:00.000+08:00

Da Vici Code Actor, Ian McKellan on NBC's Today:

"Well, I'd often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer at the front saying, 'this is fiction.'"

I guess not! If it is fiction? The it is calling the Word of God as fiction, Your word is You, and God's Word is God.

God is definitely real and alive!

Watch it? Nope. I'm not conviced!

The Da Vinci Code vs. Gladiator

2006-05-19T08:52:00.000+08:00

I have made a personal decision not to watch this movie.

Why? Well why would I pay to see my GOD mocked, I know a lot of people are saying that no harm done, this is fiction, it's just entertainment, we'll that's their opinion. For me, watching this movie and calling it entertaining was like the old Romans who threw slaves in the Coliseum to battle Lions and kill each other at the delight of the crowd just like Russell Crowe in Gladiator. No difference.

It made me ask, are we now in the age that we call bad things good? Movies here in the Philippines are sometimes a fad at first you will be like an outcast if you are the only one who has not seen the movie, but after a month.. it doesn't matter at all. I haven't even seen "Narnia","King Kong", and "Troy", it doesn't matter now. So maybe the DaVinci Code movie if also a fad with all the media coverage and personal opinions. Some critics are right, it's just a movie, so nothing will happen if you miss it.

I love Jesus Christ so much, that I am insulted when he is doubted or ridiculed. I heard Poseidon is a great movie.. hehehehehe

Mom's Day

2006-05-15T13:10:00.000+08:00

It was mother's day yesterday, we bought a Blueberry Cheesecake and some pancit, then entered mommy's room and we all ate together. My Mom, is truly one strong person, and at her hardest time I tend to love her more everyday. It aches me when I see her in pain, but her smiles and laughter after the struggles, makes my heart leap for joy. Every pain she endured, every finished medical procedure and every successful task in the hospital now becomes a mini-triumph for our family.

Today, the hospital was calling once again, her blood is coming out everytime she goes to the bathroom more than than the past weeks. The hospital ran out of type "O" blood, so we are looking for donors. I pray that God will lead us to the people who can help. At this point we need 8 donors and just have found 3.

I pray for God to be with our family, specially mommy for she is a very special mother every son could ever wish for.

Lord you our our vine and we are your branches. You bring us life. You are the great provider.

The Gonda's

2006-05-08T08:43:00.000+08:00

This picture says it all.. our family is very young at heart and always playful, but also serious in service and love for each other.
The Gonda Family. The best gift God has given to my life!

Hardest

2006-05-02T12:22:00.000+08:00

This morning was the hardest morning ever in my life to leave pampanga and go to work here in Ortigas. Mommy was hospitalized again yesterday for another set of blood transfusions, everytime we admit her to the hospital she get's weaker and weaker, this morning blood was having a hard time going into mommy's bloodstream.

A voice in my back asks me to go back to the hospital and leave meetings and deadlines, but Daddy said yesterday that I go to work. It's really hard accepting the fact that that our family has to go through this ordeal, but for me God is talking to me and to my family in very different ways, His ways are not and far away from our ways here on earth.

Everyday I see mommy really strikes a big sphere to my heart, I ask God, I question faith, I even remind God of our service and try to bargain with Him. But, deep down in my heart, my mother opened up the doors to Christianity in the hearts of us 4 brothers. And as I dig down to my faith, i am always humbled and assured by the Lord that He is Good All the time and His plan is always the best for us. I know painful days lie ahead, but Victory is acheived in this world when you are already by the Father's side in heaven.

It was the hardest morningto leave.. and everyday I have to leave my home to work and go back at night gathering the strength to leave home again the next day.

"Lord be by our side always and always reveal to us your mighty and perfect plan"

Where God is strongest!

2006-04-27T08:30:00.000+08:00

Yesterday the family gathered My parent's CFC household members and my close to family SFC friends to come to our house to be part of the Anointing of the Sick of Mommy. She has been very weak lately up to the point of losing spirits and giving up the fight. She even us talking already about her last wishes to her sisters, but deep down inside my heart and spirit I could feel that with the pain she is experiencing she still fights.

Mommy is always a fighter, she is someone who will get a hammer and nail if the door or wall is broken, she is someone who would go by herself to divisoria and carry home bags of stuff. She has been a fighter all her life..and with this fight with cancer, i could see that she is still punching at the end rounds.

We called up Fr. Raul de los Santos, the priest my mom always watches on TV and he administered the sacrament of anointing of the sick, when he arrived I could easily and surely feel the presence of Christ through him, My mom was really gald and happy that she felt Christ always by her side. She saw that in her fight Christ is always with her holding her hand.

For me, whatever God has planned our family, I will believe that it is the most awesome and perfect.

For in our weakness, that is when HE is strongest.

Carrying our Cross!: Holy Week Reflection

2006-04-14T20:15:00.000+08:00

Holy Week 2006 Reflection: As we go on our annual visita iglesia I started my yearly practice of just listening to God as we journey to seven churches, every year He always speaks to me about my life and the things that happen around me. As a renewed catholic for 15 years now I truly have given my life to the Lord and acknowledge HIm as my personal Lord and saviour.

This Holy Week the Lord made me realize the journey of my life is like the way to the cross that Jesus Himself went through that good friday 2000 years ago. As I see the present situation of our family with mommy deteriorating in health I could see our whole family is like Simon, the person helping Christ carry the cross. The Lord assured me and directed me to be with my family in carrying the pain that mommy is experiencing. He told me that everyone of us should bear the croos until we reach the goal on top of Golgotha, whatever that goal is for us I trust God in his best plan. He is Good all the time in happiness, suffering and in rejoicing.

O Lord Help us in carry the Cross with my mom, lead us to your plan and your goal, Help us be instruments of healing not only for Mommy but healing for the whole family.

May God be Glorified forever. His rising gave us new life!

Play your guitar in heaven bro!

2006-04-06T08:53:00.000+08:00

An old friend, Columbian Squires brother and guitar student of mine, Troy died tragically last sunday morning of a car accident involving his Honda and the back of a truck. As me and my old dependable friends entered the door of the wake silence consumed our hearts as we face the closed coffin laying before us with Troy's picture displayed at the left side. We were introduced to her mother who was obviously still in shock, as with all the people in the wake as stories circulate around the room on how he died and how it happened.

Outside, me and my old friends had a reuinion of sorts some I had not seen for 10 years, as we grieve Troy's life we also celebrate our enduring friendship with each other.

I remember Troy once enrolling in my guitar class, knowing he was already a very good lead guitar player, he humbly acknowledge his lack of skills in strumming & plucking the guitar the normal way. To you Troy, play your guitar in heaven and always pray for us here on earth. Esto Dignus Bro!

Building a Team in Tagaytay

2006-04-01T00:15:00.000+08:00

When I was employed in Jollibee this January I was really aware of the fact that I would really have to make new friends again and adjust again to an existing culture of the department I am going into. Yes it turned out that way but it was to have a positive impact on me. Just came back from our Team Building for Jollibee Worldwide Foundation in Tagaytay, and it was great! I made new friends, made new realizations in life, and made me see that I know belong to a company that treats everyone as family. This is the company setup that I always dream of in my past companies, Thank you God for bringing me here.

The Team building turned out great! It was a team building like no other that I have experienced, the professional attitude and outlook of our vice president, managers and co workers were really unmatched. It was learning by having fun!

Now I am part of a very dynamic team that I could really be proud of!

My own Podcast!

2006-03-28T10:27:00.000+08:00

I am really addicted into podcasting these days specially with TWiT, I really learn a lot of things about technology specially IT matters. So, I started a podcast, http://sundaypraisefest.blogspot.com. I don't care as of now if people are listening (heheh), I just want to try expressing my thoughts on the net, and maybe God would permit people to learn also from me, just as I have learned from the guys I'm listening to.

Things to do when traffic in EDSA strikes

2006-03-24T18:46:00.000+08:00

A Friday is always the weirdest day to go home to pampanga, here I am in Robinson's Galleria (Yoshinoya.. kinda a favorite! hehe) waiting for the traffic at EDSA to subside outside. It really sucks.. however when I came down to the ground floor IMAGO was playing on a mall tour.. cool! I love them.. Am just in time to catch their three hits up to the end.

I think the best way to get over traffic is go back to were you came from and don't waste your time standing on the highway waiting for the bus...

Traffic sucks!

The NET 2006

2006-03-24T09:25:00.000+08:00

A lot of things are happening on the NET nowadays.. firs is Podcasting, i never realized it really is a great thing you could listen to people having a radio talk show while on your daily commute. I just upload one to my PocketPc every time I get up the bus. The best so far is This Week in Tech (TWiT bt Leo Laporte and the TechTV gang http://www.twit.tv).

Web 2.0 is also a big deal with Meebo (http://www.meebo.com) at the top for me, and with Google buying Writely (online word processor) maybe we are seeing what computing is going to be in the next 4 years. Imagine.. no more hard drives, no more CD's just small machines that have WiFi or WiMAX access and you could do everything.

3G is also cool, I had my first 3G call last month here in the office, it was really great that technology you see only on movies is already reality. Guess I should already canvass 3G Windows Mobile Phones. hehe

WiFi Hotspots are also sprouting up at every corner here in the Philippines, this truly is the way to go, with Robinson's Galleria leading the way by offering free access. I'm really excited for the day we could surf the net wherever and whenever we want to.

hohum.. so it is true.. I am a geek.. :(

Hospitals, A Podcast and Windows Mobile 2005

2006-03-22T08:50:00.000+08:00

Mommy is at the hospital since yesterday for a blood transfusion, it seems she lost lots of blood due to bleeding, as of last night she is quickly recovering, I always pray to God for healing spiritually and emotionaly for her and our whole family. Godbless Mommy! Get well soon.

I've been into listening to podcasts lately during my daily commute to work and the one I am always listening to is TWIT (this week in tech) featuring the old TechTV guys at their best..having fun discussing tech. For a week now my MP3 listening has been replaced by cool geeks talking about stuff that is really interesting! It sure is a big help to me in the absence of TV.

I also upgraded my HTC Himalaya (XDA II) with Windows Mobile 2005 at last!!! After months of reading and studying I just git the nerve and cradled my XDA then flashed it! hehehe But it was worth the wait this new 2.01 WM2005 ROM from buzzdev.net was really cool and simple! My initial thoughts? We'll it really is WM2003SE as the Win98 of PocketPC and WM2005 as WinXP. IT feels that I am bringing a new cellphone without having to buy one. That's the beauty of Windows Mobile.

Music Man

2006-03-20T08:43:00.000+08:00

I am someone that does not listen to FM Radio!
That's about it I just am not into it. Maybe I listen more to AM because Mommy listens to it every morning hehe.
But I am a Music Man, and listens to music at a per album basis specially now where MP3's are as easy as seeing traffic violators in EDSA, ofetntimes I just go to tower records to see new CD's (then download them!), get recommendations from my brothers and friends, or just saw someone performing somewhere.

Here are the albums that I am listening to now on my PocketPC and my companions on my daily commute.

SITTI NAVARRO - cafe bossa
This is a very good album considering that someone her age released an album not going along with the consumer trend, but standing by her music, bossanova/samba i listen to this heavily

PEDICAB - tugish tigash
This one I just listened to recently and currently loving it! Dance Baby Dance :)

RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT
Never fails to play with your mind while listening Lourd De Veyra's got some words

(just added to my playlist)

UP DHARMA DOWN
This one is cool, soothing, relaxing. Their own style of music

SANDWICH - five on the floor
Now this band is establishing their own brand of sound, the Raimun-ish beats and words are really showing, perhaps after the ex-head took over fulltime vocals. I am a devoted fan of the eraserheads and this one kina reminds you of some bogchi moves!

Waking up early!

2006-03-16T08:07:00.000+08:00

2 extremes.. wake up late or early.. this morning I woke up at 2:30am I thought it was 5:30am.. sure explains why I'm so sleepy in the bathroom. So here I am.. early at work. No people in yet.. I'm third to arrive in our room hehehe!

Let's see if the saying is true...
"THE EARLY WORM GETS THE BIRD" or is it the other way around... :<> yawn!

Monday Morning Matching "Do"

2006-03-13T09:36:00.000+08:00

Monday morning sipping coffee, checking my email, going through my project plan for the week, the Jollibee Foundation Website is next. :) Still dazed from the SMB dark blue strong booze last night at Mamita Caling's despedida, banging the K-hon and singin all night also gave me a very swelly fingered right hand hehe.

What I'm really concerned about today is not dozing off and snoring in front of these people at work hehehe I may have done it before though.. hehehe so lots of caffeine shots, and a red bull energy drink might do success to my mission.

Also, to complement the wasted-ness..I got a new hairdo yesterday! The barber.. got me a hairsyle thats all standing up.. but maybe it's to sporty for me to wear in the office so I got lot's of hair gel and combed it down (down boy! hehe).

Off to work!

A Good Day!

2006-03-12T00:36:00.000+08:00

The day started with the gift of waking up late.. hehehe Nowadays it really is a rare time to just sleep and wake up on a time your body likes to get up. :) Then I went to Faye's house to fetch her for a talk I have in Sto. Domingo, Mexico. We stopped by SM Pampanga first so I could let her taste the new Jollibee Boneless Bangus and eat ice cream... I was happy because she enjoyed it.

After the talk we watched a tagalog movie "Close to You", I never watch tagalog movies before heheh but with Faye in my life I seem to like watching and realizing that some Pinoy films are worthy of a second look and some have really good stories.

Now, before I sleep I'm writing this blog entry telling God.. thanks for a very great day!

All Praises and Thanks I bring back to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Month #3 Busy as bees

2006-03-09T21:54:00.000+08:00

This is month number three in Jollibee, 2 web based projects handled and learning a lot realizing I could survive in the big world and that my Skills already made me a worthy opponent in this game of life (talk about confidence hehe).

Also, in SFC I was assigned Sector Program Head for the Corporate Evangelization Program. I am handling Central A. God was truly revealing to me my prayers of new roads to tackle and a new mission to serve in. Lord bring me to my destination and show me the right path to righteousness.

SFC: Conquer All!

Letter from Jim

2006-03-06T23:12:00.001+08:00

I've read an article on the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Jim Paredes (APO member) planning to leave the Philippines and taking A break from my beloved country. I was really pushed to write him back and comment on his situation and decision... lo and behold! He answered back! here is the whole transcript of our conversation.

boch30 said,
March 2, 2006 @ 1:58 pm

Hi Jim,

I’ve been a silent partner with your battles for this country.. at 13 years old I was there in EDSA1 and seeing you guys there made me realize you are courageous warriors for the country.. then watching you guys on TV and still standing for your beliefs that the Filipino has a chance and could rise against all shortcomings.

But now, you want to take a breather, I am not disappointed, I might have also shared the same view, but do yo know “Where have all the EDSA heroes gone? long time passing”?. Well good news I saw them again, our long lost friends who went to motorcades, bought ninoy items on yellow rallies, held their fists up high on the rendition of ka freddie’s bayan ko, and even those who bought the last copies of Mr. & Ms. Special Edition. I saw them joining people power again on a program called GAWAD KALINGA.

You know why people tend to give up on the country, because they are saying it is hopeless, there is no solution. Well there is. http://www.gawadkalinga.org… i am not soliciting any money, it’s just it has given hope to me and my family of street rallyist that there is still is a chance for this country to be great and it is not being done through politics and shouting “ibagsak”. You were with us with people power, now kapatid, kapit bisig ulit tayo, grab my braso let’s form a barricade.. not to stop but to upbuild. No one can save our Philippines but us! let’s shout “ITAYO” from now on!

Godbless you Jim and your family.

Mabuhay ang PIlipinas natin!

apojim said,
March 2, 2006 @ 9:37 pm

boch30

I, too am a great believer in GK. We have done concerts for them. I have given anonymously to them. I truly believe they exemplify the spirit of EDSA iin a very positive, inspiring way.

One of the things I wish to do in Aus is to be a GK spreaker and fundraiser. I really believe that if we can do 100 more initiatives of this kind in a differnt fields–education, job training, health, etc., everyone in the country will be inspired to once again do the right thing.

In EDSA 1, we were ready to die for the country. Now, we must be ready to do the harder part–to live for it. When I come back, I wish to use a big portion of my energies to intiatives that inspire and fuel hope such as GK..

Jim

Land of Pine Trees, Sunflowers & Starbucks Coffee

2006-02-28T00:12:00.000+08:00

It seems a tradition for me and Faye to go back to the place of the SFC - International Conference ot rest and relax. This weekend i went to Baguio from Taguig, riding the bus at 12:00pm and arriving in Baguio 7am the next day to meet Faye and her family. We had a great time enjoying the cold weather and the presence of each other. For me it was aweekend of rest, pine trees, sunflowers and yes!, starbucks Caramel Frapuccino!

Galleria Wireless Caper.

2006-02-21T18:18:00.000+08:00

Here I am in Robinsons Galleria trying out the free wireless internet access. You come to think of it I'm on the top floor in the middle of the mall writing my blog. Cool! I could still remember the days when internet access was P100.00 per hours. hehehe and all we did was IRC. Wireless is cool! sure hope the number of free hotspots multipy.

Cool Mall!

Ready for a revolution!

2006-02-13T08:29:00.000+08:00

Just came from Baguio to do two things Attend the 13th SFC ILC titled SFC:Revolution and of all things celebrate my birthday!

The ILC was great, giving us challenges to revolutionize the world and environment we are currently in, personally God is calling me to be the chief revolutionary of my company, I pray to the Lord that He give me the strength and faith to accomplish my contribution to CFC-SFC's goal of Conquer All. Minus the sunburn (in Baguio? hehe), all things really felt good during the conference, the worship, the talks, the new songs, parties and the comaraderie of the singles who attended the biggest SFC ILC Ever! It was also faye's last ILC, but I am very confident that it would not be the last forever.

And so comes my 33rd birthday! (am proud of it!) Faye organized a surprise birthday party for me right there in Baguio it was filled with emotions, because like the ILC it was the last time me and faye will be here for my birthday, but she made me happy that day! Also with my brothers and sisters honoring me after, melted my heart and made me realize that I have lots of friends who will love me always. And that for 13 years I saw that God has been using me in a very powerful way, with this gift of influence to other people I am very thankful to the Lord. Praise God in all times! My wish for this year is for Love to reign in my personal life and for everybody in this world.

Wireless! Woohoo!

2006-02-01T08:34:00.000+08:00

Bought a Wireless Broadband Router yesterday, jacked it up, turned it on. Woohoo!!! My house is now a Wi-Fi hotspot. Hope people won't wardrive, but I am a good wi-fi netizen so just inform me if you want to drop by and surf. :)

Subic

2006-01-30T17:11:00.000+08:00

This was taken @ Subic Yacht Club yesterday. Spent Saturday Night and Sunday night with Faye's family.

Night came and my first Household meeting took place with my new members. It was very fruitful and I knoe God leads me to be with this group for the months to come.

Oooh! My baby's back and better!!!

2006-01-23T21:29:00.000+08:00

Ooohh My baby's back.. a different look but badder. God always has a plan and always blesses you with something much better, just trust in him.

Click..type...turn off.. close.. put in bag.
IBM Thinkpad R51e

Manny Pacquiao: Carpe diem

2006-01-23T00:02:00.000+08:00

There were about 25 of us in a room with the cable TV box hooked to an LCD projector. The pay-per-view subscription has been activated, seats were in place. It was Pacquiao-MoralesII: The Battle.

2nd Round Morales almost came down with Pacman left hook but managed to stay alive. 6th Round Morales went down but was caught the referee who is going towards the brawl. We were standing and jumping for joy as we celebrated. Then Round 10 came Mnny Hitting face now of Morales who is losing his rythm against Manny who is still agresive, MOrales ducked down and Pacman hit him with a wide angeled left, Lo and behold Morales down for the first time in his career. Second later the referee stopped the fight. We were jumping up and down embracing each other, high-fives all around and if you keep quiet you could hear the whole nation jump up and down shouting Manny Pacuiao's name.

Watching the replay just now, still made me raise a clinched fist in the air!

The Philippines rejoiced as one country! No politics! No factions! Just Filipinos!

Congratulations PACMAN, Seize the day! Carpe Diem

Friday the 13th

2006-01-13T14:06:00.000+08:00

Friday the 13th

They say Bad things happen when this day arrive, hmmm nothing bad so far... but don't get me wrong I'm not waiting for something to happen.

The only closest thing to happen today is that darn Jeepney driver from Angeles to San Fernando.. does he really have to stop at any given curve on the road.. every time he would wait for passengers.. even if there are no sight of them. IUt took me 45 mins.. which is 30 on an ordinary day.

But, enough of the bad stuff.. it's a Friday and weekend is here.. yahoo.. 2 days with faye and family again.. Hope I could get lots of sleep.

Mornings in the life of.... me

2006-01-11T07:46:00.000+08:00

4:30AM
riiiingggg!
Ummm (sleepy voice).. Hello?...
..Good Morning Babes...4:30 na.. gising ka na..
mmmm...hi....o sige..bangon na ko (yawns!).. thank you babes.
...OK sige... I love you
I love you too....

4:35AM
Get's up see what clothes are there to wear, get them out of my closet.
Takes a bath and morning rituals.

4:50AM
Chat with Mommy, and drink coffee, toothrush.

5:30AM
Say Goodbye to Mommy.. jack up my headphones listen to MP3.
Ride the Jeep to San Fernando.

6:00AM
Arrive at SFP Intersection take victory Liner to MRT... without taking out the headphones! yeah!

7:00AM
Arrive at MRT North Edsa Station.
Take out Stored Value MRT Card...

7:15AM
Ortigas station... make my way out of the train. (I'm a big guy you know hehehe)
Walk to the office.

7:30AM
Arrive at the Jollibee Plaza Building.. take my seat and update my blog.

8:00AM Start of the day!

Another morning in the life of Bochoc. :)

Missing Everyday "faye-day"

2006-01-06T15:56:00.000+08:00

It's been a week now in my new job Jollibee Food Corporation, it's really funny on my part because of a running joke of SFC members calling me the Red and Yellow Mascot's name even before I thought of working here.

After 5 days co-workers are starting to have names on them (1st 3 days was only faces) and the office is starting to get a bit familiar... now I know where the pantry is.. aat first I was only familiar with the CR. hehehe (lot's of CR breaiks). The job is great and fun.

Compared to my past jobs.. all I can say is this one has "CAREER" spelled all across it.

I miss everyday "faye day" though. :(

1st to 3rd Day of Work

2006-01-04T10:17:00.000+08:00

3 days in this new job.
Doing good and great, people here are firendly and the system is really great, from the Employee Wellness program to the people who apply the system.
Hope I could do good!

Ma Edward ang Pasko sa Jollibee

2005-12-22T10:50:00.000+08:00

Starting January 2, 2006 I'll be working for Jollibee Food Corporation, thank God for giving me a new chance on a career.

Last Sunday we had our SAGIP Christmas Party, it was the first time all SAGIP kids met on a provincial level. It was a very fun time with all the kids worshipping God. May this Christmas be a very meaningful one to them and for us all.

Mega Time!

2005-12-02T13:29:00.000+08:00

I'm in SM Megamall right now updatingmy blog hehehehe. Just got interviewed for a Sr. Programmer position for Jollibee and it looks and sounds promising.

I'm currently stuck in this Oversized Mall waiting for my brother who has class upto 2:00pm. Just don't know what to do... I tried to watch a movie.. but the titles shown are not that enticing to my tastes, I tried eating at the restaurant I always eat at for 5 years when I'm in Mega Mall but I just realized.. the food dows not taste like food anymore hehehe So I ran out of ideas on what to do in this Oversized Mall so I went to the ever faithful Internet Cafe... bullseye!.. the perfect scheme to kill time.

I just realized, even if this mall was named after it's size.. It's not that to Mega after all heheheh. ciao!

Duh!

2005-11-25T17:24:00.000+08:00

I'ts 30 days before Christmas.. everyone is busy with their jobs, and here I am at home cleaning the aquarium. :) As I gaze down the 70 gallon aquarium and stare at those big black goldfish eyes, a flashback came....(flashback tingling music).

I was in grade 4, in the center of the grade school building there was an activity area where everyone could play games, rent cards, read books and look at the aquarium where fishes were happily swimming around. One guy from the other section whispered to the other guy.. hey look a baby is coming out of the belly of the angel fish. Word quickly spread out and before you now it tons and tons of students were staring at the itsy bitsy aquarium saying "There it is! There it is! about to come out!" But me all i said was "Duh!" but I couldn't say it because they will all look at you and say "Don't you see it hahahaha! it's very clear". So I was there pointing at some worm like thingy coming out of the Angel Fish's belly. "There it is! There it is!". That was my earliest encounter with peer pressure! hehehe. The day ended when the science teacher told us, fishes are born from eggs and not from belly buttons.

I learned something that day, always go where your heart is leading you to, tell others what you believe in and you might as well be telling the truth about things. Come to think of it if I just said "Duh!" that day.. i might be coming home so proud with a smile from ear to ear saying "I told you so!..."

Hospital Week

2005-11-21T17:40:00.000+08:00

Just came back from the hospital last night. Mommy was confined last friday for a check up and swelling of her right leg. THe Lord is truly great and loving, I can truly testify that he was with us everytime during the ordeal. Doctors were inspired and glad to see mom, because for a person going through her ordeal she could still smile and radiate a glow of happiness in her face. They just don't know the secret.. Love, of family, of God, of friends and of relatives.

Being Christian means lots of things for our family, acceptance of God's plan unfolding and feeling his love even in the hardest times that come. His assurance and love always make us excited of the things he has for us ahead.

"Lord, let your love and plan unfold to our family, we humbly accept and take all the things you have in store for us. Always be there for us, apart in many times are the members but close together always in love and unity.

BUMMER!

2005-11-04T10:47:00.000+08:00

In comes to a point in life that you thought that "This is it!" but then just to realize that there is no Gold at the end of a rainbow!

It's my second day without work and looking for one, i really feel sad and depressed as part of 70% of the Philippines (no work guys). I am always telling myself "Why things happen to someone like me, I never did anything wrong?". I am a Christian but even Jesus got angry when we felt he was being mistreated (sellers at his father's house), That's it, I am angry.. angry at those people at work who broke a promise and trust.. after the things I did and the team I formed this is what I get in return.

But, in the end.. I know God has a plan for me.. that's why I'm writing it here in my blog, I was afraid at first because people might read what happened to me and say "shame!, shame!, shame!".. but now I realized that after some time, I'm going to read this entry again and just laugh it off in my new penthouse office drinking coffee!!! :)

hehehehehe! bummer!

5th Year Anniversary

2005-10-28T15:02:00.000+08:00

Today is a mixed emotion day. It's our (Faye & Me) 5th Year Anniversary of being together. And I really thankful for God on what he has given me. Being with her is the most exciting milestone I consider the most important in my life. Being together for five years is a blessing. People ask me what is our secret.. the only answer I could think of is you must appreciate always what God gave to you. The both of us appreciate each other not only as GG's but as friends and brother/sister in Christ Jesus.

Also, at work. These guys insulted me on my pride and reputation. I offer to God all my self and pray to reveal His plan to me.

Praise God!

SFC: Heaven Eleven

2005-10-24T12:37:00.000+08:00

After 3 months of planning.. SFC Pampanga 11 Year Anniversary is finished! It was a very successful and victorious day. The Lord truly showed his strength.

As I reflect on the 11 years of SFC I saw different faces and lives, but all in all the same spirit moving and burning our hearts with love. As I see people dancing around during the praisefest I saw 800 people entering the gates of heaven altogether as one community. I again saw people being led to dance because of praying, not just dancing to the music but praying the songs. Lifting hands to the Lord and Shouting praises. Also, seeing old faces in the crowd mixed with the new members made me realize, SFC will truly be heaven to lots of people and it will still remain heaven to its future members.

HEaven Eleven!

After Hours

2005-10-14T01:13:00.000+08:00

1:10AM still at the computer... watching DEBATE on TV, talking about Martial Law...we'll for me nowadays Goverment is just talk... issues die down immediately. We'll that's life in the Philippines.

Just finished practicing Music for the Anniversary! It wasa good night! Sing Joyfully unto the Lord!

Was also diagnosed with something in my spinal column. Wish it is not that serious to prevent me from serving!

Battling the Big "C"

2005-09-27T13:12:00.000+08:00

Mommy has again been feeling not good lately, this Battle with the big "C" has really commenced again. Big factors are always considered in this battle like the lack of Firepower.. but in our family's case and with the battle training we have.. we are ready!

Watch out Cancer.. we have a bigger "C".....Christ!

Meetings@Makati 2.0

2005-09-21T13:26:00.000+08:00

Back in Makati Yesterday.. for another series of meetings. Met the media in the morning (Digital Tour, Breakfast and INQ7.net) then finalized agreements with SMART, Bancnet and Credit Card Verification Companies. It was tiring but very interesting and enjoyable. My new job rocks!

1 1/2 weeks with no badminton!!! :(

Meetings@Makati

2005-09-14T17:41:00.000+08:00

Yesterday.. was a hectic day for me.. with 4 Meetings in Makati... The presentation in PCCI was good, meeting all those great Business leaders in the Philippines as presenting to them, was a good treat for me. The chance to talk to these people was already a blessing and opportunity for me. Next was the meeting with SMART guys which basically was me talking tech and stuff, it was also productive, still can't imagine my new job would be on anationwide scale! Next meeting was with Air 21 at starbucks... it's my second straight coffee cup..sip..sip..sip... ahhh wandering if i could sleep that night.. hehehe.. last meeting was with PCI Equitable for their facility to handle our credit card payments. The day was busy and productive.

At night the whole family was toghether in Makati after a very long time... maybe the last time Glorietta was not still built. But specially with Mom's chemo therapy about to go to the 2nd Round... it was a boost for the family morale.

Meerings@Makati.. a mix of business and relationships

Mabuhay Pilipinas!

2005-09-12T02:38:00.000+08:00

Its a common question nowadays to ask yourself if it's still worth beings filipino. I say yes.. because we are the strongest people that could stand up again after the storm.

Even with all the politics that is happening.

This morning three filipino boxefs took the world by storm beating their opponets in convincing fashion.

This is the filipino pride and spirit.

Mabuhay kabayan, let's be convincing in rising up through the ashes.

Pocket Blogger

2005-09-11T04:01:00.000+08:00

I discovered Pocket Blogger... now i could post wherever and whenever i want to... this is cool!

Meeting with the Chairman of the Board

2005-09-07T14:24:00.000+08:00

No.. not the great ole' blue eyes but I just learned that we are going to give a briefing about our company to the Board of Directors of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry next week, and as head of the IT Department I've got to present the company's Geek side of the Force! Woah!!! Hope it turns out good! :)

Missions, Work and shuttlecocks!

2005-08-30T14:00:00.000+08:00

A new Passion... Badminton.. it's been a month now since I held my first racquet.. and here i am.. doing it 3x a week. I like this sport.. :) Played Saturday 3pm - 11:30pm also on Monday 3:00pm - 5:30pm.

Sunday was a busy day for me In the morning was the Medical / Dental Mission in GK Alasas where after a long time saw the kids there. It surely was a sight for me.. realizing for 3 years God called me to Alasas and now showing me the fruits of those years of serving. You could see Jesus living in the Community. In the Afternoon we went to GK Cuayan for the weekly session.. as compared to Alasas, Cuayan is a starting community that needs more work from the people around them.. I praise and thank God that He assigned me to be Sagip Team Leader here... It's beautiful to see this place turning to a little piece of heaven for our less proveledged brothers and sisters.

Here I am at the office again on my 3rd Month... still enjoying and loving it! God always provides for His laborers.. I can surely attest to that. I give back to the Lord everything He has given me. To God be the Glory!!!

Bagong Haybols!!!

2005-08-22T14:52:00.000+08:00

A House!!!!.... yes a House!, Bale, Haybols, Home.. etc.
We said goodbye to our apartment and Got a house.. Mommy started smiling and enjoying again, Daddy has a good look everyday on hte big Garden.. Abu with a big room for his collections and Allan enjoying the most out of the house and his new room.

Me.. a simple room (pink color heheh) where i could sleep after work and fun.

Thank you God.. for granting us the resources to move on to a new house.. the furniture is Ok.. the clothes are already sorted.. the lights are already fixed.. now Lord help us making a Home.

TRIP ko

2005-08-22T14:42:00.000+08:00

It's kinda late sharing my views about the SFC Luzon Leader's Conference in Subic, but the realizations really struck me.

At this time when my relationship with Faye is going to another plane of our lives, Here is God saying, "Don't worry... Be still where you are and I have a plan! Life is all one big trip... my plan is to take you to your destination..."

MY LIFE... One Helluva a TRIP.. but I'm enjoying it.

Whaazzuuupp!!!

2005-07-25T13:26:00.000+08:00

It's been a month since my last post. hehehe
So what's happening?... you ask me...a lot!

Work:
My Team is now in place and the projects is starting to brew. Am handling for different teams in the company. Technical Development, Technical Support, Design and Hardware Support. Whew! Say that again.... :) But enjoying it. I never thought I had it in me. But, I know the Lord won't give me things i could not handle. The Learning curve on part has shifted up again.. posting this still on a Linux Fedora Core 4 System. hehehe.. also learning JSP Programming was a bang. Meeting new people and learning how the IT industry works.. learining hardware, connections, servers, routers, data centers, kernel's, OS's, and basically a lot.

SFC:
God assigned to work in SAGIP GK-GMA Village, in Cuayan, Angeles City. 42 Kids. I got the service bug again when God's calling came to my door. Serving this kids was again given to me by God as a mission and a challenge. Also advocating the cause was top of my list. Getting my whole chapter to stay in an air-conditioned villa in clark in the morning then going to the Gawad Kalinga site in the afternoon with them, really made experience both worlds. Realizing that it was the same was the greatest realization that we have learned.

Personal:
Faye is leaving :( not me.. but the country their papers have has already been processed.. now we are counting the months. Before it was years we were counting. I'm afraid and sad when we start counting the days. But.. all in all this is good for us. I know God has a plan and I trust my life to Him, I trust our relationship to Him. In you Lord we are yours.

First time!

2005-06-27T22:27:00.000+08:00

I'm posting this from my O2 XDAII. cool!
Hello World!

Bigger, Badder & Better : Changing loyalties 2

2005-06-26T18:17:00.000+08:00

Just got my O2 XDA II Phone.. and it rocks!!!
I was already satisfied with my HTC Tanager (Smartphone) but when the opportunity to own this baby cleared... I grabbed the chance!!!

I immediately upgraded to Windows MObile 2003 SE and it's better than 2003... thinking about upgading to 2005 Magneto though. Am really enjoying. What a gift from God. This is Bigger than my SAP but definitely Badder and Better!

Renewed and Reborn

2005-06-14T10:04:00.000+08:00

I'm posting this on Fedora Linux... My computer centered cells started shaking again and my interest in this Computer box started to be Renewed as I first saw the Linux Login Screen.. after experimenting with SLAX, RedHat ans DSL Versions of Linux I decided to use Fedora Core. My first try on a computer was back in Grade 6 (elementart days) when my Grandfather sent me a Commodore VIC 20 Computer with 3K memory (imagine 3K!!!) now it again made a computer geek more with Linux. The Penguin truly shines.

Last Saturday, I saw a Praise and Worship Concert fo Reuben Morgan of the Hillsongs Music Team. The whole Stadium 15,000 of us were juping up and down for the Lord Jesus Christ.. Catholics, Christians, Baptists and all Christ centered communitied joined hearts together to Worship and Sing jubilant Praise!... This is God's plan of every Religion being united with one purpose. Thank you God for starting to open the eyes of my beloved Philippines to your Great Plan... to bring us back to paradise.

Renewed and Reborn... Stating over again.

A Game of Chess

2005-05-30T11:39:00.000+08:00

For me a career is like a game of Chess, moving pieces one by one until you achieve a goal for your life. A made a move right now not a pawn but a bishop. Starting June 1, 2005 I'll be working for iSubasta.ph Corp an IT company dealing with online auction. This move may or may not be good or bad for me, but a move that i am willing to take to reach that checkmate i am reaching for.

Ok Life... your move.

Star Wars Episode III : Revenge of the Sith

2005-05-19T17:05:00.000+08:00

Its been 17 Hours since I saw the premier of Star Wars Episode III and I want to see it again! It brought back the elements on which I loved the whole trilogy in the first place.

Anakin turning to the dark side.
Palpatine transforming to the Emperor.
Mace Windu's death.
Code 66 Executed. All Jedi's perished.
The Birth of the twins.
R2D2's New weapons and capabilities.

Awesome movie! THe force is strong with this one.

FEELING THE FORCE!

2005-05-18T17:56:00.000+08:00

I'm leaving the office now to watch the advance screening of STAR WARS Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. I could definitely feel the force now!

BORA 2nd Salvo: THIS IS THE LIFE!

2005-05-05T18:05:00.000+08:00

Arrived @ Bora from Aklan via PAL on Sunday May 1, 2005.
Unlike my first trip which is for a conference.. this time around my second salvo was for 100 % Pure R & R.

"THIS IS THE LIFE" Unforgettable Moments
1. Getting a full Body Massage on the Beach.. (from Head to toe)
2. Drinking till 3am in the morning listening to acoustic Reggae and Rock Music. One Bar three nights.
3. Eat-All-You can lunches of Fresh Seafood.
4. Unlimited Oysters.
5. Riding the Banana-Boat and being turned over.
6. Snorkling on much more deeper water.
7. Swimming, swimming on Boracay's cool water till you get tired of it.
8. Being with faye's family for the weekend.
9. Going to Crystal Cove and explring the caves.
10. Going to Boracay on a Plane.

THIS IS THE LIFE!