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Saturday, March 28th, 2009
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I have outgrown the need to update my life in this lj.....but continue to read your entries.
Strange, some random person wanted to use my blog for some random cause.. I think it was some kind of spam! Anyway, happy lj-ing everyone. I don't know if I'm going to be writing much here..
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Saturday, February 28th, 2009
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It's amazing how songs randomly pop in my head. This morning, after a short phone call from somebody, this song popped up:
When somebody loves you
Its no good unless he loves you - all the way
Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you - all the way
Taller than the tallest tree is
Thats how its got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue see is
Thats how deep it goes - if its real
When somebody needs you
Its no good unless he needs you - all the way
Through the good or lean years
And for all the in between years - come what may
Who know where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if youll let me love you
Its for sure Im gonna love you - all the way, all the way
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Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
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I woke up this morning all happy, then I thought of you and smiled. I hope that you start your day the same way I did---being happy. There are so many things around us going on at the same time and rarely do we take time out to really thank and listen to those who have made an impact in our lives. This is one of those days I wish I was an arm's length away from those I have known for years and grown with in so many ways so that I could be silent and just give them a loooooooooooooong Welo hug. It's amazing to look back in my life and know that inspite of all the pains and challenges of growing up I had to endure, I am so loved by my family and friends. And I have always felt that love, sometimes a bit too much (haha), but it is affection nonetheless. I'm such a sentimental overthinker at times and I cannot help but miss people like you. I feel the absence of your physical presence each day I live abroad. Every I get asked when I'm coming home or tell me how Manila isn't Manila without me, I am humbled as to how I've really established real relationships with those other than I am related to by blood. I pray to God that you're happy with where you are in your life or, at least, working your way towards that happiness. It's a blessing to be missed by many, I guess. It's a form of love colided with the reality of geographical boundaries. And so today, I just really wanted to let you know that despite missing you terribly, I woke up happy. I was happy to know that you are a part of my life and that I am part of yours. We may have our moments of silence and necessary isolation, but that never stopped us from going to one conversation to the next, from one laugh to another--and isn't that just a wonderful feeling. There is comfort in knowing that someone truly cares for you and *ahem* you know that I'm right here. So if I haven't really listened to you lately, drop me a note, send me a email, give me a call and let's catch up. I'd love to know what's on your mind. :) Love, Me
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009
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This was forwarded to me via email and i'd appreciate it if you can post it on your blog or send it via email. THANKS!
Paying It Back for Mang Meliton a.k.a "Mang Milton"
Meet Meliton Zamora, a retired University of the Philippines janitor and my hero.
For forty-five years, he swept floors, cleaned up trash, watered plants and did odd jobs at the University.
I met him when I was active with the UP Repertory Company, a theater group based (then) at the third floor lobby of the Arts & Sciences (AS) building. He would sweep and mop the hallway floors in silence, venturing only a nod and a smile whenever I passed him.
Back then, for me he was just one of those characters whom you got acquainted with and left behind as soon as you earned your degree and left the university for some big job in the real world. Someone whose name would probably ring a bell but whose face you'd have a hard time picturing. But for many UP students like me who were hard up and had a difficult time paying their tuition fees, Mang Mel was a hero who gave them the opportunity to finish university and get a big job in the real world.
The year was 1993 and I was on my last semester as a Clothing Technology student. My parents had been down on their luck and were struggling to pay for my tuition fee. I had been categorized as Bracket 9 in the recently implemented Socialized Tuiton and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). My father had lost his job and to supplement my allowance, I worked part time as a Guest Relations Officer at Sam's Diner (back when the term GRO didn't have shady undertones) and took some odd jobs as a Production Assistant, movie extra and wardrobe mistress.
To be eligible for graduation, I had to enroll in my last three courses and pay my tuition fee. Since my parents didn't have enough money for my matriculation, I applied for a student loan hoping that my one of my Home Economics (HE) professors would take pity on me and sign on as a guarantor for the student loan. But those whom I approached either refused or were not eligible as guarantors. After two unsuccessful weeks of looking for a guarantor, my prospects looked dim, my future dark. And so, there I was, a downtrodden twenty year old with a foggy future, crying in the AS lobby. I only had twenty four hours left to look for a guarantor.
Mang Mel, with a mop in hand, approached me and asked me why I was crying. I told him I had no guarantor for my student loan and will probably not be able to enroll this semester. I had no hopes that he would be able to help me. After all, he was just a janitor. He borrowed my loan application papers and said softly, "Puwede ako pumirma. Empleyado ako ng UP." He borrowed my pen and signed his name. With his simple act of faith, Mang Mel not only saved my day, he also saved my future.
I paid my student loan the summer after that fateful day with Mang Milton and it has been 15 years since then. I am not filthy rich but I do have a good job in the real world that allows me to support my family and eat three meals a day. A few weeks ago, a friend and UP Professor, Daki, told me that Mang Mel recently recorded an album which he sells to supplement his meager retirement pay, I asked another friend, Blaise, who's taking his Master's degree at UP to find out how we could contact Mang Mel. My gesture of gratitude for Mang Mel's altruism has been long overdue. As fate would have it, my friend saw Mang Mel coming out of the shrubbery from behind the UP library, carrying firewood. He got Mang Mel's address and promised him that we would come over to buy his album.
Together with Blaise and my husband Augie, I went to pay Mang Mel a visit last Sunday. Unfortunately, he was out doing a little sideline gardening for a UP professor in Tandang Sora. We were welcomed into their home by his daughter Kit. As she pointed out to a laminated photo of Mang Mel on the wall, she proudly told us that her father did retire with recognition from the University. However, she sadly related to us that many of the students whose loans Mang Mel guaranteed neglected to settle their student loans. After forty-five years of service to the University, Mang Mel was only attributed 171 days of work for his retirement pay because all the unpaid student loans were deducted from his full retirement pay of about 675 days. This seems to me a cruel repayment for his kindness.
This is a cybercall to anyone who did not get to pay their student loans that were guaranteed by Mang Mel. Anytime would be a good time to show Mang Mel your gratitude.
Mang Mel is not asking for a dole out, though I know he will be thankful for any assistance you can give. So I ask those of you who also benefited from Mang Meliton's goodness or for those who simply wish to share your blessings, please do visit Mang Mel and buy his CD (P350 only) at No. 16-A, Block 1, Pook Ricarte, U.P.. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City (behind UP International House) or contact his daughter Kit V. Zamora at 0916-4058104.
Baka kilala niyo.
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Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
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You and your FUCKING TEMPER makes me...wanna cry.
Don't worry, it won't be long before I'm gone.
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Saturday, December 27th, 2008
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After all that holiday ho-no's, I wonder how long it will take for us to realize that we have to head back to the gym to shed a few holiday pounds and get ready for spring / summer collections from our favorite fashion designers and cheap boutiques we frequently visit. I am totally skipping the thought of winter after a grueling week and a half of global warming snow surge in Portland. I'm ready to get some bright and fresh colors in for spring and summer. I can't wait until the new collections come out for summer! I am READY for some sun. Too bad I still have three months of winter before that happens. Oh well, there's always something to do now at home. This is what I've learned in a week (wow, life realizations, good job!)
I am ending this year smiling at everything that happened to me and embracing the new year in a few days! Other than my fattening collection of books and music on my iTunes, I've gained a lot of (oh gee I know let's not talk about weight just yet) random subcriptions to various magazines and hot blogs online. If you're wondering where I usually get all my random trivia about the culture out there besides Paper mag, W and Style.com , try mashkulture.net , www.theclones.fr and www.viceland.com It never hurts to visit the cobrasnake's website once in a while to know what's going on in the LA scene or going to one of Steve Aoki's gigs or stalking Justice updates and remixes everywhere from www.prettymuchamazing.com . Of course, I will not fail to mention the Philippine's very own bryanboy.com who had a bag named after him for Marc Jacob's fall collection and my oh so favorite www.statusmagonline.com that brings the best of Manila and LA life.
And speaking of hot magazines, check out GQ's latest issue with Jennifer Aniston on the cover:
Sexy stuff! 2009 will be about sexiness and success. I can feel it!!
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Wednesday, December 24th, 2008
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Don't you love how music transcends your own words in wanting to express how you feel without even having to say what exactly is on your mind?
Happy Holidays everyone! :)
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008
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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
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1. In my 22 years of living, I have had 9 dogs, lived in 7 different places in 2 countries and studied in 5 different schools including nursery. Just wanted random fact #1 to be totally random! OH and I currently own 28 pairs of shoes (including boots, sneakers and sandals).
2. In my birth certificate, I have three (3) first names: Ma. Consuelo Fatima. The Ma. (do NOT forget the DOT) is an abbreviation of Maria and most people in the US call me 'Ma' instead of Consuelo. Ahhh, now you know where Welo came from!
3-5. Most of the things I really enjoy doing now were 'accidental' talents/hobbies/skills. Three examples:
* Grade 2 blackboard read: Singing Contest auditions
I won 2nd place; then two years later 3rd; then in 6th 1st ;)
I love singing. I don't join competitions anymore but I sing for church :)
* Grade 5 fliers: Soccer try-outs
Soccer player from 5th grade until 2nd year college with a cheerleading break (HAHA) in frosh yr HS and moved schools 3rd yr HS
* 2nd Yr College: Applying for French Minor to get out of Asian History class
The History department of Ateneo didn't allow students to switch classes without a valid reason. I really wanted to take up Western History so I applied for a French Minor since it's a prerequisite to take Western history class instead of Asian. History class was fun, but I learned more with french!
6. A tiny coconut (the size of a baseball) once fell on my head while I was talking to my second-cousins at Ambassador Charlie's house in Bataan. I never thought that a 'plop' could change the way I think about having to shut up once in a while. HAHAHA
7. I think in college I have found the group of friends whom I know I will be great friends with for life, no matter what profession they choose or country they live in. They say you're lucky to find one real friend in your lifetime, I say that God has spoiled me with a few more.
8. I'm an awesomely loyal friend but a really nasty bitch when you fuck me over. I'm really easy to get along with from the get-go and detest people who are nice to your face but deceivingly talk behind your back..OH and I always find out about it.
9. I have a noticably medium-sized mole on my outer right leg. You know how the saying goes, if you have a mole on your foot, it means that you like going out? I think the mole on my leg falls under that saying too! hahaha
10. I didn't learn how to speak Tagalog NOR chew gum until I was 6 or 7.
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Monday, December 15th, 2008
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Who enjoyed the snow yesterday? I DID!
Hi people! Sorry haven't been updating much. But I am alive, well and FRIGGIN COLD!! :)
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008
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So what is this book all about?
Twenty-four-year-old Aidin, a wealthy socialite and self-proclaimed "club god," lives a magazine life based on decadence and excess that includes drugs, sex, and gourmet food. It's a life based on surfaces in a place where the surface is all that matters. His therapist later describes him as a materialistic drug addict bent on promiscuity with self-esteem and identity issues. After a night of heavy partying, Aidin awakes one morning completely vacant of any sensation. He can't feel temperature. He can't feel pressure. He can't feel anything.
After a near-fatal stint in denial, he seeks the help of Dr. Paradies, a therapist whose methods are far from conventional. She provides him with a new addiction in the form of a life list--a litany of activities to accomplish. As Aidin completes his list, he discovers talents he never knew he possessed, such as the ability to quickly learn new languages, an IQ off the charts, and amazing physical stamina. With these new discoveries, he questions his doctor's intentions. When Aidin digs for the truth, will he slip back into his addictive habits? Or is there truly a conspiracy underway, as he suspects? The answer forces him to make a life-altering decision.
One may purchase the paperback and hardcover editions online. If they're out of stock, then you can also purchase a copy in this website. See samples of "Out of Touch" and the author's new project "Typhoid Larry" in his blog.
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I miss the smell of cypress in my lola's house. The smell of cypress trees = Christmas
We use cypress to make our Christmas tree and the leftovers become the wreath and other decorations. A tree with real leaves and Christmas lights with ornaments and decorations waiting all year to be pulled out from its boxes. I love the smell of Christmas.
The smell of cypress makes me want to read Christmas cards displayed on the wall as I descend down the stairs leading to the piano. The piano that plays beautiful music when someone sits in front of it. The boisterous laughter, the pamplina we devour, the cousin-huddles before our Christmas program begins, the Aguinaldo, the performances, the gift giving. The smile on everyone's faces.
I grew up all my life spending Christmas with at least 30 relatives in 24 hours. It was so normal for me to be around that many people in one day. And so this year, being away from all of that again can sometimes make me want to cry... but I stop myself, hopefully, and know that there is a time and purpose for everything.
Being abroad, what it means to spend time with family in Christmas is redefined. It is definitely smaller yet also much more intimate. And in reflection, I realize how beautiful my life has been and how beautiful it can be when lived differently. Although traditions are renewed and my relatives and I take different paths in our lives, there are some things that do not change.
Like when I close my eyes, I imagine myself smelling that cypress again..just so for one fleeting moment, I am home again.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008
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I'm wasting precious time trying to collect my thoughts and put it together like puzzle pieces without a pattern. I seem to be making checklists and goals in my head while walking or in a moment wherein a computer or a piece of paper & pen aren't within an arm's reach. There's clutter in my thoughts. Clutter in my paragraphs. Clutter in my words. Clutter everywhere.
Silly words arranged together to make sense or make no sense at all. Rambling like the sound of fingers typing on the keyboard as fleeting thoughts come and go. I'd rather organize tangible objects than the clutter in my head so I can clean and think. Think and clean. Think of cleaning.
If only I can classify my thoughts in white office boxes stacked up like paperwork getting ready to be filed. Here are my thoughts on my career. Here are my thoughts on going back to school. Here are my thoughts on friendship and betrayal. Here are my thoughts on the world around me. There you go. Life can be such a piece of cake in a black and white film without sound.
Rank and file. Day in and day out. Moments fluttering by. White flashes for photographs ready to be uploaded to social networking sites proving the existence of something that used to be. Something that no longer is. Birthdays, weddings, funerals. Celebrations and mournings. It's all swimming in a pool of thoughts and memories in my mind.
Where to begin, where to begin.
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
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I've been evading particular topics for quite some time. I've been pretending that the reason why I wanted to switch to a new lj was because of "change" but you know what? I really do not want to change usernames. I love weloism. As narcissistic as it is, this is what makes Welo, Welo.
( Truth to be told... )
Shit happens. And at the end of the day, you gotta wipe your ass clean and flush it down the toilet. Plain and simple.
So I'm back and boy, do I have stories to share!
Boregon isn't that boring pala!
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Monday, November 17th, 2008
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A song.
Music. Good music.
A distractingly attractive person smiling at you.
Quotes from books, lines, stories, conversations.
A sunny day at the beach.
Chocolate.
A prayer.
We all need to draw inspiration from somewhere. Whether we find it within ourselves or from others--there are certain things in this world that trigger us to want to do better. Each day we are presented with opportunities for us to create something good. It doesn't necessary have to be positive; even the most horrific moments can turn into something incredibly beautiful.
No matter how challenging things can get, inspiration presents itself to me in a moment I least expect it and when I surprisingly need it the most.
Like now.
What drives you?
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Thursday, October 30th, 2008
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I am so SICK and TIRED of having to deal with you EVERY DAY. You want your kids to be good children of Christ but when you step out of that church you lose your temper over the smallest things and start picking out all the faults you can find.
Where are the words of kindness and acts of patience?
Although you mean well, you are definitely NOT setting a good example.
Why do you make it so hard for others to love you?
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Sunday, October 26th, 2008
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
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It's my lola's birthday today and I am missing her... so much. When I heard the excitement in her voice as she heard mine, I wanted to cry.
In other news, my mommy's moving to Singapore in a few weeks. So I guess I will be flying to Singapore to visit her.
It's been ages since my last trip to Singa!
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Monday, September 8th, 2008
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I have to admit it, I don't like being treated like I'm under microscopic view or I'm being choked with attention.
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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008
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(Setting: talking about someone who needs a life-makeover)
My dad: This is what you do. Tell him this:
Ask yourself if you would date yourself. If you say no, then you have a problem.
Figure out what it is, work on it and make yourself date-able.
(Everyone laughs)
(Silence)
Me: I'd date myself!
Tita Linda: I'd date myself, too!
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!!
So guys, I encourage you to ask yourselves, would you date yourself? If not, then you have a problem.
I swear, my father cracks me up sometimes!
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weloism's journal
cheerful.
relaxed.
excited.
curious.
frustrated.
amused.