love is a beautiful thing....
who says otherwise?

hunted by dry cough?

Cough has always been hunting us any day and at any time. Sometimes it makes us awake the whole night despite the medicines we take in. It too happened to me many times. Dry cough made me ill the whole night but now that I’ve discovered a way of dealing it I know that the suffering will hunt me no more.
One time, I received an email from anonymous sender stating that it is soothing to rub the sole of your feet with vicks vaporub before having a good night sleep when having trouble with cough. The mail did not explain any scientific explanations but with no second thought, I tried it and I've proven it to be helpful. There was a feeling of warmth that clothed me overnight. Probably, it was the warmth that comforted my lungs.
Having known this little secret, I know that cough would never attempt to ruin my night. I have shared this piece of health advice to my housemates and in a little way it did soothed their feeling. The sender has revealed that she usually applies it to her kids because of its effectiveness and I would testify that trying it is of no waste.
To the anonymous sender, Thank you. I know that your intention is to spread a simple health advice and like you, I would like to share this simple treatment and so this post.

Alarming Facts...

Since I became aware of the environmental problem, I dedicated myself supporting the groups advancing their interest of protecting the environment.
While reading my mail, I received this alarming facts from Environmental Defense.
And here it is...

Global warming is the most serious environmental threat of our time.

As these facts show, affordable options are available. And America cannot afford to fall behind any more in the race to invent clean, renewable energy sources.

45%-Increase in world’s solar generating capacity in 2005.
2-Rank of China as global producer of solar cells, behind Japan (U.S. ranks 4th).
$1.5 billion-Amount US government spends a year on renewable energy research.
$1 billion-ExxonMobil's daily revenue.
$2 billion-Amount GE Energy Financial Services invested in wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy in 2007.
$200 billion-Amount China has committed to invest in renewable energy sources over the next 15 years.
0.74%-Projected cost of smart cap-and-trade climate policy on US economic output in 2030.
100%-Projected growth of the US economy by 2030.
53-Number of senators supporting cap and trade legislation.
0-Number of bills passed by Congress to cap and reduce America's global warming pollution.

Sources: World Watch Institute, Earth Policy Institute, Department of Energy, CNN, GE Energy Financial Services, Reuters, Upcoming Report: Climate Policy and the U.S. Economy. Environmental Defense, 2008

Negative comments might be heard from the abovementioned, but in this world of uncertainty, it is better to have done something than having done nothing at all.

WRIT OF AMPARO

Last year, the highest court of the land adopted a remedy, powerful than the writ of habeas corpus, that can be availed of by a person or entity whose right to life, liberty and security is violated by a public or private person or entity. This is the Writ of Amparo. The writ gives the court the power to exercise extraordinary means to afford protection to persons whose constitutional rights have been violated.
According to my reading of one of my admired lawyer’s, Joaquin Bernas, column in Philippine Daily Inquirer, I came to learn and share that Amparo is a Mexican word which means protection. The writ of Amparo has been first introduced and exercised in Mexico and in other Latin America.
The writ which has adopted by the Supreme Court is viewed and is proven to be simple, inexpensive and speedy. Simple because the petition can be filed on any day and at any time with the RTC of the place where the threat act or omission occurred. It can also be in the Sandiganbayan, CA or to the Supreme Court. Upon a verified petition, the Judge or Justice immediately orders the issuance of the writ and may deputize any person to serve it. The summary hearing of the petition takes place within seven days from date of issuance and is given priority. Thus, making it speedy. It is inexpensive because, as embodied in Sec. 4, the petitioner is exempted from paying the docket fee and other lawful fees when filing the petition.
The adoption of the writ of amparo is just right for it is necessary to equalize the flaws of democratic exercise and is suited in a country where human right is on the brink of abuse.
Since it became a rule, many have availed of it which includes the Running Priest.
So, if you feel your right to life, liberty or security has been violated, don’t hesitate to avail of the writ of amparo.

pain first

The time I don't have projects to be busy with, I spared my time learning guitar. Actually, it has been my dream eversince I came to love music. At fist, I was really so excited and determined not until my fingers are getting numb and painful already. I hardly strum and press the strings so I backed off from my lesson. My teacher was almost laughing at me for murmuring the aches.
Then he taught me a lesson, a dream will never be achieved in a blitzkrieg or like a strike of a lightning. Many temptations and hardships are awaiting on the way but if you are really desirable of achieving a goal, one must conquer all.
Life is just learning how to play guitar. There are aches, pain and of course excitement while learning. The pain that you may experience has to be encountered with courage and determination. The sweetness of life is waiting after succeeding all its battles.
Despite his words of wisdom, I discontinued learning. I only reached keys until G and desired not play anymore. It’s really painful. Huhu..
But isn’t it painful to regret in the future for surrendering a simple dream?

coffee prince caffeinated

They say, the reason why a person keeps on liking one thing, say a movie, is because he/she relates. The story of the coffee prince Korean drama revolves around the life of Andie Go. Andie Go is a lady but wears and acts like a guy. But definitely she’s a woman by heart. Well, I was just like her, LOL. People who knew me have misinterpreted me as tomboy but people who knew me well know that I am a woman by heart. Like others, I went through a teenage “kilig” moments. I had lots of “crushes”, actually until now. Merely that I felt comfortable wearing those loose shirts and pants and my favorite bag pack. Sometimes, I feel good when I wear my bonnet and it suits the weather too for we live in a cold place. Though, I seem to look like a boy, my heart is a pure girl. I admire guys and I despise same sex relationship.
The “coffee prince” keeps me awake late at night for I admire the personalities that it poses. Andie is lax at expressing her own feelings free from any criticism. The other personalities showed a wider mind to understand and accept Andie. Aside from the other casts characters, of course, I like how they deal with each other- no boundaries despite their status.
Of course, the love story always gives a tingling sensation. Andie, despite her appearance like a boy, the beauty within her is discovered by the two men in her life, Arthur and Errol. I’m still in the middle of the story and I’m looking forward for an Andie- Arthur tandem. All smile!
I wish to tell more about how I relate with the story but I guess I’ve said enough. =) It’s good to keep a secret for yourself lol.
Try to watch it for you to know what I’m blogging about.

On my way to somewhere, I felt my stomach's empty so I thought of dropping by in one of the restaurants on my way. I've chosen to drop by at this cozy and relaxing bar and restaurant. While waiting for my food, I let my eyes gaze every corner of the restaurant. While waiting for my food, I let my eyes gaze the whole room until my attention was caught by the...picture above. It was really glad to know that Calle Real Bar and Restaurant promotes the protection of the environment.
I asked the waiter, “How do you help in protecting the environment?” The waiter smiled and proudly answered “We keep our surroundings clean, we avoid using plastic cups and anything that would end up just a garbage and we implement proper segregation of our wastes.” Then he politely excused himself.
Then I started my sumptuous dinner while hoping, “Hope many establishments would just do the same.”
Simple ways but it rocks.

little thing with great impact

Todays trend is faced with economic and environment impact. The issue on JPEPA and Biofuel are just among those policies debated for such. Other groups support JPEPA for its advantage on the economy while other sectors fully oppose it because of the threat it poses to the environment. The Biofuel bill is supported by many because of its environmental benefits while many debates it for it affects the economy (or profit of other people)
In this world of imbalance, the realization of our dream on both the economy and environment can be stranded.
However, we ordinary people can do more than those forming policies. Economic nor environmental impact cannot be compromised by spending less, saving more and protecting the environment.
Simply, when you buy your grocery items, choose to buy those packed in plastic bottles or in cans or those packed in larger quantity rather than those packed in sachets. With this, you spend less by not necessarily going to the grocery twice or trice a month. You have saved not only fare but also your time and effort. You can generate money from the emptied plastics, bottles and cans by selling them to the junk shops. Lastly, you have helped in the preservation of the environment for not producing wastes that would pollute the land. You have avoided generating plastic or garbage that could have added to the mountain- like dump sites.
This simple practice in our daily life can be a great contribution to the protection of our environment.
Having been aware of the environmental problems, I have learned to consider the environmental impact of aught that I buy everywhere.
Having read this, hope you would share in the preservation of our environment.

Green courts

Few days ago, the Supreme Court has assigned 117 courts in the Philippines purposely to hear and decide on environmental cases. I remember when I was still in law school, my teacher in Environmental Law discussed us various cases involving the environment that was just left undecided. The judiciary’s problem on clogging of cases has affected much the environment sector because their cases were not even heard. But now, the answer of the environmentalists' problem is finally answered.
The 117 courts has been called as the “Green Courts” for they are assigned to hear, try, and decide expeditiously cases involving illegal mining, illegal logging, illegal fishing and other acts and omissions involving the environment. This is a great start for 2008. Many cases that have been waiting for decision can now be decided.
This is a good start to attenuate environmental abuses by selfish human beings.
I hope that with the creation of these green courts, all people will be more participative of their responsibilities to Mother Earth, be vigilant in pointing the abusers and be more conscious of the environment abuses. I hope that the DENR and its underlying agencies will be more active in the implementation of the environmental policies and laws.
With the creation of the green courts, I hope that the environmental problems will be addressed positively, expeditiously and continuously.

National ID System.. again?

Here comes again the ghost of the National ID System hunting the whole nation. In 2006, if I am not mistaken, the National ID System has been proposed by the administration but the Supreme Court declared it as unconstitutional. The peoples constitutionally guaranteed rights especially on right to privacy has been feared to be curtailed when the National ID System will pursue.
Today, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are proposing it because they hardly locate and prosecute the terrorist and the rebels. During the Spanish regime, the heroic tearing of cedula has led to the achievement of the freedom that we now enjoy. The National ID System was strongly opposed by many for it poses threat to the privacy of the people and it does not guarantee justifiable prosecution of those who would be suspected and caught as terrorists. And among other reasons, we Filipinos have opposed it and the Supreme Court has decided intelligently.
It seems now that the AFP and PNP has not grasped the wisdom behind peoples’ opposition and the Supreme Court’s decision for they insist that the proposed National ID System will not curtail any of our Constitutional rights. What is their basis for saying so?
Will the National ID System solve their problem on terrorism?
I’m sure my answer is the same as yours.
The National ID System has been strongly opposed for possibilities of extrajudicial killings, abuse of authority and it could build the road to martial law, especially so that presidential election is nearing.
Instead of the National ID System, I truly believe that the solution to the continued existence of the NPAs and rebels is to eradicate the abusive politicians and public officials and cut the head of the corrupt public officials and change the redundant system in the government. This way, communists, NPAs and rebels will slowly disappear.
Fellow freedom lover, our forefathers have sacrificed their own precious lives to achieve our freedom and it is our responsibility, being their descendants to treasure it. Let us protect it from selfish power grabbers.
FREEDOM!!!

unforgettable stay in Pan Pacific Hotel

This is just one among the many poses made in Pan Pacific Hotel during our Christmas Party. Behind me is the relaxing and clean blue swimming pool for those who choose to spend their time in one of the cozy and comforting rooms of the hotel. Outside is the veranda where the beautiful view of Manila is visible. On the lobby, there placed a soft and inviting couch for those tired of walking or standing. I myself loved sitting and enjoyed the softness of one of the couch. In fact, I was even caught enjoying a nap on one of the couches.
The very place I would mostly appreciate in the hotel is the comfort rooms. It is a room where you can’t just comfortably discharge the call of nature but it is also a possible place for dining lol. Its cleanliness would certainly scare the germs away!
The carpeted and spacious hall was just perfect for our number for we do not touch each others’ elbow. The lights, sound, smoke effects provided to us were just suited and made our presentations more entertaining. I liked the backdrop, just perfect.
The hotel’s employees and staff were kind and friendly. In fact, I even borrowed the coats of the waiters for our presentation lol. They delightfully lent it. Then we brought home the 3rd prize.
Certainly, one day, I will be spending my precious time in Pan Pacific Hotel.

my first youtube broadcast

whew! here's my gift to my best friend who just got married last year. Best Wishes!!!

the wedding- joanne and ronald

work of art

this simple art was finished by a sharp pencil, fine hands, determined and dedicated mind and an overflowing passion in art by my talented dear sister.

"What worth is a man who does not make the world better?"

Like every human do, I do thought of drafting my own new year’s resolution too. Before I came up with my final draft, I though of the pressure my resolutions might ponder upon me. We make our resolutions purposely to do better. Good for those who are determined to be better but useless to those who can’t get away from their old living.
While thinking of what to change in the future, I remembered the phrase from my favorite movie, Kingdom of Heaven, stated this way; “What worth is a man who does not make the world better?”
Isn’t it a challenging question? That instead of thinking what your promises you make for yourself you better hold on to this question and keep asking this to yourself.
Probably it would be a question posing too much pressure but it’s not.
Every human being is brought into this world for a purpose. However, some of us just live for the purpose of existing but not all of us has arrived or realized our purposes in this world.
Like me, many are still confused about the secrets of life. The time when the truth be revealed to us may not be determined but let us avoid leaving this life without knowing the answers of our questions.
“What worth is man who does not make the world better?” Making the world better may be done in many and simple ways. Definitely it does not require you to be a president or a famous personality. The world just needs you to live your own life simply.
As for me, simply making one smile makes me worthwhile.
How about you?

Looking back at yesteryear

While trying to write down my New Year’s Resolution, I was stopped by my thought to reminisce my past year experiences. I have recapped my yesteryear as a year mixed of human emotions. Throughout the 365 days that has passed, I’ve experience life in its maximum level. I laughed and I wept. Happiness to sorrow and vice versa has influenced my mood for the past 12 months.
Being a movie lover, I dreamed of having a portable DVD player. In 2007, this great dream was fulfilled. Not long enough, I was able to own a mobile phone which I longed for. Having both had brought me unexplainable happiness and contentment. Now, I am enjoying the pleasure of these gadgets.
The happiness I’d felt was changed into sorrow. Days were gloomy when I learned my brother met an accident. It was only after a couple of weeks that my family and I recovered. Though it was sad, I look into the brighter side that the accident has brought my brother. The family ties became stronger and has changed my brother’s attitude a bit.
For the past 525,600 minutes, my family and I were shattered with another trial- the death of my grandmother. Loneliness had clouded our emotions but human life was created to end. Death is a part of life and acceptance of one’s loss will only cure the loneliness it brings.
A month after the tragic moment of my life, a moment of sweetness and blissful wedding has bounded a couple. My bestfriend got married. The wedding had given us a chance to see each other after a long period of time. She had finally settled down. God bless them.
Those moments had been a moment for me to meet my friends after a long year of waiting.
The very event that I will never forget of 2007, is the event that had brought me frustrations and regrets. September is my birth month and at the same time the month for taking the bar exam. Fours years ago, I was like those who took the bar exam- a law student. But last year, I was just a simple person watching and envying them. I was just a person in the corner full of regrets. The words “If only…” kept hunting me. I was in vain. I had regretted but it was already useless for the years were already over.
Year 2007 might be gloomy to me but I know I still awe God gratitude and “thank you”
Many trials came into our lives but the survival amidst the trials is worth rewarding. That in life, one has to struggle to overcome the obstacles and the unexplainable happiness that is waiting at the end of trial is worth more than silver and gold.
I have been through a life filled with trials and struggles and I am thankful to God for surviving all of them. Though I had been weakened by problems and sorrow I was endowed with strength that God has pondered upon me.
For everything I thank God.
I know that this year 2008 will be year filled with unexpected experiences but I know that like last year I will be strong enough to face them.

**********HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!********